UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

An incomplete cast copper-alloy object of possible Iron Age or Roman date. One terminal end of the object survives, the remainder now missing due to old breaks. The terminal is heart-shaped in form with a central circular aperture. Each edge of the terminal has raised convex mouldings forming projecting borders on both faces, the centre of each edge having a shallower, almost pelta-shaped, moulding flaring at each end and separated from the borders by incised grooves. At the top centre of terminal where the two sides meet there is a notch with single transverse groove. Both sides of the terminal taper towards their base where they meet flaring mouldings that curve outwards at the base of the terminal and are possibly missing their outer edges due to old breaks. From the base of the terminal projects the remains of an integral plate. This is triangular in form, flaring towards old breaks, and oval in section. Both faces of the plate have incised decoration comprising single grooved borders along each edge, and single central vertical grooves that run the length of the plate and extend to the aperture of the terminal. The entire object has a worn and pitted dark green patina. It measures 32.95mm in length, 16.02mm in width, 7.50mm in thicknes (at terminal, 2.46mm at plate), and 7.71g in weight.

This is an incomplete terminal from an object of uncertain form.Potentially, it may belong to an object such as a mirror or similar, although no close parallel has been as yet identified making a close attribution to a particular object type or form problematic.Its decorative elements and general appearance suggest it may date to the Iron Age or Roman periods, although a later date range acnnot be ruled out entirely.