Iron Age Celtic Bronze Spiral Ring 1500-1100 BC

Description

Heading: Iron Age Celtic bronze spiral ring 1500-1100 BC

Material: Bronze

Period: Iron age Celtic

Date: 11500-1100 BC

Origin: Celtic Europe

Condition: VF+, green patina, corroded in parts, wearable with care.

Description: A large bronze ring, with decoration  formed of two coils of finely worked rod, with additional spirals forming the ring

Size and Weight: Overall size 87mm, ring internal size 19.6mm = UK Q, US 8, Euro 17.49, Japan 16; 37g

Features and Provenance:  Ex TimeLine auctions; previously from multiple European collections formed in the 1990’s

The spiral pattern has been associated with the Celts but also earlier on rock art as far back as the Neolithic. It is supposed to symbolise balance and its symmetry would suggest this. Formed of coils of thin wire rod, the skills needed to have made this at such an early date is astounding. The ‘spectacle’ design is also seen as a clothing fastener, pendant and in triskele form. Sadly any attachment mechanism, such a pin, has been lost to time; how this heavy piece of jewellery was ever worn is left to the imagination.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of pattern etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present, but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible