Code: 10494
This is an ancient Iron Age (Celtic) bronze and enamel harness pendant, dating to the 3rd century B.C. - 1st century A.D. The pendant is of a 'luna' crescent shape, decorated with inset enamel, this was a replacement for red coral which had been used in Iron Age harness and jewellery. Enamel as a decoration in Britain developed from the use of red coral and then opaque red glass to decorate metallic objects (Johns 1996, 29-30). British examples of coral decoration have been found used on brooches (such as at Arras, Yorkshire and Wood Eaton, Oxfordshire) and other small items such as pins (Leeds 1933, 43–44). Such an object would have once adorned the armour of a cavalryman, or charioteer. A nice object, intact and in good excavated condition.
OBJECT: Harness Pendant
CULTURE: Iron Age, Celtic
DATE: c. 3rd century B.C. - 1st century A.D.
MATERIAL: Bronze & Enamel
SIZE: 38mm x 28mm x 3mm
WEIGHT: 6.5 grams
PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection
