Casgliadau Arlein

cast decorated openwork fitting with projecting circular sectioned pin or tang. A thickness of 4.0mm, gives this fitting a sturdy character. It appears to have been neatly cut in antiquity across the openwork plate. The openwork apparently forms a series of triangles, divided by a crossed diagonal lattice of metal, though it is not possible to establish the original length of the piece and therefore the complete design. X-ray indicates linear groove decoration defining the middle line of the diagonal cross pieces and bordering the openwork design (i.e. three sides of a rectangle, the two longitudinal lines cut by the break). There is also a casting flaw on the decorated surface near the base of the projecting tang. On the reverse side, there is a circular stub positioned at the base of the projecting pin, probably a runner stub created during casting of the piece. Possibly a decorative cauldron stay or strapping belonging to a Type B2 cauldron. The lack of distortion of the projecting pin or tang and the absence of any corner fixing rivets suggest that this strapping may never have been used prior to deposition. The complete Battersea cauldron has very similar stays, with open lattice design. This confirms a Llyn Fawr period date (750-600BC).