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.
European Bronze Age Bronze Domed Boss
£ 450.00
A fine bronze shield boss, dating to the European Bronze Age. The boss features a discoid base that curves up to raised sphere and a flattened outer edge. The boss has been further enriched by two stepped concentric circles adorning the centre, surrounding the spherical knob. To the reverse, a small curved bronze band acts as a buckle-like attachment point. The boss is accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
Dimensions without stand: L 6cm x H 2.2cm
Condition: Fine condition. A beautiful green patina and some earthly encrustations, particularly to the reverse, to the surface. One area of the band on the reverse of the boss has been chipped but is still continuous with one thin area. Small chips to the edge of the boss.
In stock
| Weight | 94.5 g |
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| Dimensions | L 6 x W 2.8 x H 11.6 cm |
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