UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

A complete cast copper-alloy moustache-like object of probable Middle Bronze Age or Iron Age date, cast in one piece to form a distinctly three-dimensional shape. These objects are thought to date from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age, after the discovery of one in the Salisbury Hoard (Stead, 1998, no.117) and various other finds reported to the PAS which are often associated with Middle Bronze Age material.The object is c. 26mm long, and c. 24mm wide. There is a central hole, 4.5 mm square at the top and flaring to 9 x 5 mm at the bottom. Either side of the hole, separated by a bridge of 5 mm, there are two solid drop-shaped parts of the object. Both are broken, one missing more; this one appears to be an older break. These are both decorated with longitudinal grooves, which stop at about half way, c. 13 mm, down the object. Four other moustache-shaped objects are known from English archaeological contexts, one from the Salisbury Hoard, one from Maiden Castle and two from Norfolk (one from Gayton). In J. D. Hill's opinion they are definitely Iron Age, but are of unknown function. However, the only other finds from this locality are no later than Penard (LBA1) date (Circa 1200-1100BC) and Colin Pendleton suggests this is a more likely date for this object. A number of examples have been recorded since the discovery of this object, see PAS records SUSS-3AEC48, WILT-0C9A63, BH-A7CCB5 and BERK-403617.

Although their function is uncertain, multiple hypotheses have been suggested for these objects, including decorative mounts, or scabbard chapes for daggers.