European Bronze Age Bronze Decorative Shield Boss

£ 450.00

A finely cast European Bronze Age bronze shield ornament depicting a spoked wheel shape. It consists of four flattened spokes radiating from a central circular nave. The spokes taper outwards to a wide felloe (outside rim). The central nave features a spherical protrusion which has been finely incised with linear decorations. The reverse features a circular attachment which has been soldered to the boss with four legs. The piece is covered in a vibrant patina. Due to the openwork design and thin hammering, this shield boss was likely used for ceremonial or decorative purposes.

N.B. Weight and measurements include stand.

Date: Circa 1200-900 BC
Condition: Very fine condition. Complete with custom made stand.

In stock

SKU: CFF-168 Category: Tags: ,

The Bronze Age, as its name suggests, is a historical period characterised by an extensive use of bronze. It is also known for its use of writing, with cultures such as the Near East and Egypt being the first to develop practical writing systems, and other features of early urban civilisation. The beginning of the Bronze Age differed from region to region and culture to culture, as it was heavily dependent on the discovery of tin mining, smelting, and its combination with hot copper. The result was a hardier and more durable metal, allowing Bronze Age civilisations to transition away from stone tools to metal tools. However, tin was not abundantly available, possibly limiting the use of bronze to the upper classes. Many bronze pieces have been found alongside gold items in the wealthiest burials of warriors and princes from the period. Shield bosses have been among those bronze pieces recovered from these burials. They placed at the centre of round shields and were originally intended to deflect the blows to the shield. Over time, they became more elaborate over time and eventually more of a decorative feature.

To discover more about Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post:Bronze Age Britain

Weight 62.78 g
Dimensions W 4.1 x H 11.5 cm
Culture

Metal

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