Large impressive pieces of jewellery made of precious metals have been held in high esteem in numerous cultures at various periods. Often they were worn around the neck or across the chest, emphasizing the head of the wearer.
This object is a neck ring or torc, crafted in Britain with great skill and tremendous care over 2000 years ago. It contains just over a kilo of gold mixed with silver and is one of the most elaborate golden objects ever made in ancient Europe. It is made from 64 threads, each just 1,9 mm. wide. Eight threads were twisted together at a time to make 8 separate gold ropes. These were then twisted around each other to make the final torc. The ends of the torc were hollow cast in moulds and then welded on to the ropes.
Found at Ken Hill, Snettisham, Norfolk, England, c. 75 BC.
D. 20 cm.
Wt 1,080 kg.
Gift of the Art Fund.
This object is a neck ring or torc, crafted in Britain with great skill and tremendous care over 2000 years ago. It contains just over a kilo of gold mixed with silver and is one of the most elaborate golden objects ever made in ancient Europe. It is made from 64 threads, each just 1,9 mm. wide. Eight threads were twisted together at a time to make 8 separate gold ropes. These were then twisted around each other to make the final torc. The ends of the torc were hollow cast in moulds and then welded on to the ropes.
Found at Ken Hill, Snettisham, Norfolk, England, c. 75 BC.
D. 20 cm.
Wt 1,080 kg.
Gift of the Art Fund.