Casgliadau Arlein

Iron Age copper alloy enamelled mount of 1st century AD date

The cast mount is of sub-rectangular form and is near-complete, missing part of the attachment lug and with some peripheral damage (with a length of 36.0mm, an overall surviving depth of 13.0mm and a weight of 11.2g). The sub-rectangular face has rounded corners and near-parallel sides, slightly convex, widest at the midpoint (with a width of 15.5mm, where it has a thickness of 4.0mm). The face has a border enclosing recessed cells all of which contain red ‘sealing-wax’ enamel around the central vertical motif. The bronze motif is symmetrical about both the central vertical and horizontal axes and comprises a horizontal oval at each end containing a sub-triangular enamelled cell, with two concave sides. The end ovals are flanking a vertical oval, containing a central opposing double-pelta. Enamelled cells surrounding the central device define two cells connected at the centre and of sub-triangular form at top and bottom. The face is gently convex across both its length and width.

The rear of the mount has a central integral damaged attachment lug, which is circular-sectioned (4.6mm – 6.0mm diameter and 9.4mm high) and has begun to turn at the break, possibly forming an open-loop or hook. Otherwise, the rear is flat and is not decorated.

The surface is heavily-corroded and pitted with a mid ‘olive’ green patina and some areas of bright green corrosion.

The mount can be ascribed a Late Iron Age, 1st century AD date based on the stylistic motif and the red ‘sealing wax’ enamel would further suggest an Iron Age tradition. The mount is difficult to closely parallel but it is likely to have decorated horse gear, or similar. The sub-rectangular form and design are perhaps suggestive of Iron Age shield designs.