UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

Cast copper alloy looped fitting of probably late Iron Age or Roman date (300BC – 300 AD). The function of this loop is unknown, but it is likely to be either associated with horse furniture or possibly domestic goods –such as bowls. In form it resembles a toggle. The fragment consists of a horizontal bar from which an incomplete oval loop extends / conjoins. The loop is broken in two places and both breaks are relatively recent being both irregularly crisp and un-patinated. The cross section of the loop is distinctly triangular in shape. In plan and cross section the fragment is irregular. The front face of fragment is decorated with a number of cast motifs. The horizontal bar has a recessed groove with three raised lines through it, and the loop seems to have a raised median ridge. On the lower edge of the horizontal bar is an irregular sub-circular recess which maybe be linked to casting damage or possibly be an air pocket in the mould. The fragment measures 22.1mm length, 23.7mm width, is 6.9mm thick and weighs 9.55 grams. The internal diameter of the loop is estimated as being 10.9mm. The fragment is a mid green colour with an abraded and powdery patina. The surface of the fragment has a mid – light green corrosion product and the loop is also suffering from a laminating corrosion. A direct parallel has not been found due to the fragmentary nature of the artefact. It does however bare resemblance to a number of horse harness fittings of late Iron Age or Roman date. The type and condition of the metal would seem to confirm this hypothesis