Torc

An Iron Age copper alloy neck collar or torc dating 50 to 70 CE. The torc is of unusual form. It has been deliberately broken into two pieces. It does not have a hinge so it would have been difficult to put on and perhaps this is the reason why it has broken. It is decorated with a simple feather and ring-and-dot pattern.

The pattern has similarities to those that feature on some Roman military armlets but there are also elements of British Iron Age design as well. The broken torc was discovered next to the mirror, perhaps reflecting her broken power in death. The style of burial and chosen gravegoods shows Iron Age culture and beliefs combined with products from Roman society. The choice of these objects reflects layers of meaning.

The Harper Road burial is a high status, Iron Age woman who is buried with grave goods which reflect Roman elements that were embedded within Iron Age society. The burial includes a flagon, samian plates from Gaul, a bronze mirror from Italy and a bronze torc from Britain.