Late Bronze Age Torc

$916.19

A late Bronze Age torque made up of one long spiral of bronze wire doubled up, the rods formed into a hook and loop fastener and so joined together at the top. Small pieces of bronze have been folded over at certain points in order to keep these two strands together. The whole length has a fine deep patination.

Date: c. 1200-800 BC
Period: Central European Bronze Age
Provenance: Ex private German collection, 1970s.
Condition: Very good condition.

In stock

SKU: MO-44 Category: Tags: ,

Commonly mentioned as spoils of war and made from different metals, torcs were not merely military decorations of men. Quite possibly they served as indications of rank, status and power. They may also have had religious associations as such objects appear on the figures of the Celtic deities. The specific meaning of the torc may have varied across the Celtic world and across time. Designs could vary from very simple to extremely elaborate, in various metals, including gold. Some torcs were probably used as rattles during rituals, or otherwise, because of their great size and weight, put on statues as votive offerings.

To discover more about spirals in Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post: The Symbolism of the Spiral in Celtic Imagery.

Weight 36.4 g
Dimensions W 12.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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