The Iron Age

Sample Essay: Stone and Metalwork

Name, describe and discuss the Broighter Collar and the Turoe Stone. In your answer refer to the period in which they were made, form, function, decoration and techniques used in their production.

And

Name and briefly describe and discuss one other artefact from this period in Ireland.

The artefacts shown on the accompanying sheet are the Broighter Collar and the Turoe Stone. The Broighter Collar was found in Derry and the Turoe Stone in Galway. Both artefacts date back to the Iron Age, which was Pre-Christian.

The Broighter Collar

Form: The collar takes on a tubular form. It consists of two semicircular cylinders, which are both hollow. At the end of each cylinder is a terminal with a complex locking device known as Mortice and Tenon. The two semicircular tubes were once joined by a hinge. However, this was broken by a plough before it was discovered. The collar is made entirely out of gold.

Function: This collar would have been ornamental and worn for special occasions. It was more than likely worn to indicate high status. Some people also believe that the collar was worn to battle for good luck. From my own research on the Broighter Collar, I have discovered that collars such as this were often connected to Celtic kings and Gods. The artefact itself was part of the Broighter Hoard, which also contained torcs and a model boat. I believe that these items could have been left as an offering to pagan gods such as Manannán at the time.

Decoration: The collar is hollow and made from gold. This metal would have been extremely precious at the time, as its sources had depleted from its extensive use during the Bronze Age. Curvilinear, La Tene motifs can be seen all over the tubes. Stylised foliage such as flowing tendrils, flowers and leaves also appear on the artefact. Motifs such as these were common during the Iron Age as most of the Celts' artistic inspiration was abstracted from nature. Some of the flowers and leaves appear as raised bosses, which would have been added later. 'S' shaped scrolls can also be seen running along the collar. All of the motifs are interlinked with the flowing tendrils, which brings the design together and gives the appearance of a plant climbing up the collar. The motifs stand out in high relief and contrast with the smoother areas. Cross hatching has also been added to the smooth surfaces to emphasise this contrast. From looking at its decoration, it is clear to us that the goldsmith had a good sense of design.

Techniques: Gold was beaten into a thin rectangular sheet until thin enough to work with. The decoration and motifs were then added using a repoussé technique, where the design was hammered out through the back. Raised bosses were soldered on after the collar was finished. The edges of the gold sheet were also soldered together to form the tube. The goldsmith would have then added hot sand or resin into the tube to bend it into its collar shape. Cross hatching was incised using a sharp object like a compass. A complex locking device called Mortice and Tenon can also be observed at the ends of the semicircular tubes.

The Turoe Stone

Form: The Turoe Stone was originally located in an Iron Age ringfort. It is made from naturally rounded Connemara granite. The rock itself was deposited from a glacier during the Ice Age and stands at 1.68m in height. It consists of four different panels on its rounded top. The bottom of the rock is seen to have soft corners.

Function: The function of the stone is unknown. However, many historians believe that it could have been used in pagan rituals. Some also think that the stone acted as a landmark or a meeting place.

Decoration: At the base of the stone, a double-lined step pattern can be seen. This design was common in Greece and may have been brought to Ireland by Celts from central Europe. The spherical top is decorated in curvilinear La Tène art which is often described as the finest art style in the world. The abstract motifs consist of spirals, leaf and foliage shapes, curved lines and trumpet ends. The top half of the stone was divided into four panels to separate the designs. This meant that a person could see a different design pattern at each angle. Some motifs such as the triskele can also be seen, which were probably inspired by much earlier Stone Age art. For example, the triskele also appears on the entrance stone at Newgrange, which dates back to 3,200BC.

Techniques: The surface of the rock was smoothened by iron chisels. This technique is known as dressing the stone. The motifs were carved away, creating low relief contrast. The pattern around the base of the stone was incised using a sharp tool, rather than being carved out.

The Petrie Crown

The Petrie Crown consists of two rectangular bands which are linked, two concaved discs and one conical horn attached behind one of the discs. The crown is made from bronze. There are tiny holes lining the base of the rectangular bands, suggesting that it was once stitched to textile. Many people believe that the crown was used for human purposes. However, I disagree. At the time, gold crowns would have been worn by humans, as it would suggest royalty or high status, not bronze. To me, this choice of metal suggests that the crown was for animal use – such as a horse. The conical horn is also secured using rivets, which were used for practical and functional items at the time. This furthers my point regarding the crown not being used for humans. The concaved discs have been soldered onto the bands. There is also evidence to suggest that there was once a second conical horn attached. The discs display curvilinear, La Tène motifs, such as curved lines to create stylised bird heads. A red enamel stud can be seen on one of the discs. There are many small holes in the crown which suggests there were more enamel studs originally placed in the crown. Spirals can also be seen on the band and conical horn.