Casgliadau Arlein

CuA cast fitting, biconcave in side-profile, comprising opposed dished and circular discs, joined by a tapering circular stem. The piece resembles an ‘egg-cup’ or ‘egg-timer’ shape. The top disc is smaller in diameter than the base disc. The base disc has an integral bronze strap across it, sitting within the dished surface and not projecting above the dish margins. The artefact has an irregular appearance, the upper disc being slightly offset from the centre of the base and the top surface tilting slightly off the horizontal. There are no visible wear facets around the central stem or on the disc surfaces. There is a casting flaw on the top surface of the base disc (i.e. non-strap side). Though very similar in form to number 1 above (so as to indicate a similar function), it is smaller and more slender. Wagon fitting (terminal) or harness fitting – unpublished parallel described as a button fitting from Moel y Gaer hillfort, which is smaller than both examples from Llanmaes. Further parallels from Hohenwalde in Poland: 326 small examples published as buttons, some with bird heads, others with circular heads, associated with three fragments of gold torc. Dated to Halstatt B2/3, equating with the British Ewart Park period.