PENANNULAR RING

A late Bronze Age gold and copper penannular ring from 1300-800 BC. The ring is oval in shape and cross-section with a narrow gap between the terminals which are flat-ended. The surface comprises of a bright gold colour. A base metal core is covered by a sheath of gold. Striped bands of a rose-tinted hue decorate the entire surface area of the ring, each band being c.1.08mm wide, with the divisions appearing to radiate from the empty centre. There is noticeable wear to the inner edge of the object as the surface is slightly pitted.

Length: 17.58 mm; Width: 15.81 mm; Thickness: 7.10 mm; Weight: 10.19g

Discussion

This penannular ring belongs to a class of artefact which has been termed 'hair-rings' and 'ring-money' (Taylor 1980; Green 1988; Eogan 1994; Varndell 2001; Hobbs 2003; Meeks et al 2008; O'Connor et al 2008). Their function remains uncertain, although it is likely that they were personal adornments, possibly worn on the ears or nose, rather than being hair-ornaments or items of exchange. Relatively few examples have been dated through associated finds, archaeological investigation or radiocarbon dating, however, burials in Belgium, northeast France and The Netherlands and secondly, Scottish and Irish hoard associations, have suggested a date belonging to the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age, between 1000-800BC (e.g. Eogan 1997).

Other similar penannular rings are recorded on the PAS database and constitute treasure including 2017 T810 (LANCUM-C2543F), 2014 T113 (CAM-5B1D08), 2012 TW4 (NMGW-928F55), 2014 T730 (NLM-129434) and 2013 T739 (BH-D0CF18). LIN-A0EDEA is the fifth example from Lincolnshire - others include 2014 T730 (NLM-129434), SWYOR-7083EE, 2011 T580 (LIN-9F2713), 2011 T227 (LIN-D7E6D1).

For a further in-depth discussion on Bronze Age penannular rings see LANCUM-C2543F

References

Eogan, G. (1997) 'Hair-rings' and European Late Bronze Age Society, Antiquity, 71, 308-20

Green, H.S. (1988) A Find of Bronze Age 'Ring Money' from Graianog, Llanllyfni, Gwynedd, Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies 35(1), 87-91.

Hobbs, R. (2003) Treasure: Finding our past, London: The British Museum Press.

Meeks, N.D., Craddock, P. & Needham, S.P. (2008) Bronze Age Penannular Gold Rings from the British Isles: Technology and Composition, Jewellery Studies 11, 13-30.

O'Connor, B., Cowie, T. & Worrell, S. (2008) Ring money: dernières nouvelles d,outré- manche, Bulletin de l'Association pour la Promotion des Reserches sur l'Age du Bronze 5, 12-13.

Taylor, JJ. (1980) Bronze Age Goldwork of the British Isles, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Varndell, G. (2001) Ringing the changes: when terminology matters, Antiquity 75, 515-6