Bronze Age Gold Electrum Flanged Earring

Code: 10822

This is a rare and interesting example of a Middle Bronze Age gold earring, dating to 1300 - 1100 B.C. The earring is made from a pale gold/electrum, expertly crafted with a flange twisted design. A similar pair of flanged earrings were found in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon in Ireland (see here). This technique was employed in jewellery design from the Middle Bronze Age throughout Europe, being found on torques, bracelets, and earrings (see IOW-C0C054, DOR-FACB19, and DOR-324B57 for further discussion of type). This example is largely intact, although appears to be missing one of the hammered terminals. A good and rare piece of Bronze Age jewellery that may once have been owned and worn by a royal elite or member of the Druidic Order. 

OBJECT: Flanged Earring

CULTURE: Middle Bronze Age

DATE: c. 1300 - 1100 B.C.

MATERIAL: Gold

SIZE: 22mm x 19mm x 5mm

WEIGHT: 2.9 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Southampton Collection, originally acquired through the Dutch Art Market prior to 2000