Casgliadau Arlein

Large copper alloy strap union comprised of a decorated roughly cruciform plaque formed by a pair of circular areas and a pair of pelta shaped areas concealing two strap bars of rectangular cross section. These bars would have accomodated straps up to 28mm wide and one bar is noticibly thinner and more worn than the other. Within the circular areas the plaque is decorated with two opposing circles highlighted with an incised line and expanding into a trumpet shape enclosing a palmette. Each circle contains a reverse S-scroll expanding to trumpet shaped points further augmented with incised narrow trumpets. Spaces within the design are highlighted with inlaid red enamel. Where the enamel has fallen away areas of deep scratches can be seen where the metal was roughened prior to adding the enamel. The back of the strap union is plain and flat, although some black residue remains.

Darn efydd o harnais, 1-70 OC. Roedd perthynas gref rhwng rhyfelwyr â’u ceffylau. Roedd cerbydau rhyfel y rhyfelwyr gorau yn arwydd o’u statws. Roedd addurniadau efydd cain â gwydr coch ar harneisi eu ceffylau ac ar daclau’r cerbyd. Mae gwrthrychau fel hyn yn rhoi cipolwg i ni ar y bobl oedd yn brwydro yn erbyn y fyddin Rufeinig, 1,950 o flynyddoedd yn ôl.