The principle aim of the thesis was to examine the technology of Late Iron Age decorated metal work at a time of dynamic change from both internal and external factors. The objects chosen for this study were predominantly from dry land hoards, and superficially had many aspects in common. The majority of these hoards were deposited in Britain in the mid first century AD (slightly later in the case of Middlebie in south west Scotland), and located in areas of attested historical conflict with the invading Roman army. Predominant amongst the kind of objects in the hoards were those associated with horses and carts or chariots; an artefact type of social and historical significance to native British Iron Age societies. It is argued that the manufacture, use and deposition of these objects were an important factor in maintaining relationships between different Iron Age groups in the face of threats from an invading force. Chemical analysis of objects from this period is important. The first century AD witnessed both technological sophistication and conservatism as the Iron Age metalworkers confronted the introduction, through continental influence and the Roman army, of new materials such as brass, and the re-introduction of piece moulds and leaded copper alloys. Coloured Roman glass was also introduced and used in many parts of Britain, but Insular La Tène style metalwork continued to be decorated using sealing wax red glass (a specific Iron Age technology). On the whole, an innate conservatism in object styles and materials were maintained, irrespective of acquired knowledge and the availability of new technologies. In fact, Late Insular La Tène art developed and flourished, as some indigenous Britons adopted a strong identity through the use of specific objects, technologies and artistic styles; recognisable throughout large parts of Britain.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:646314 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Davis, Mary |
| Publisher | Cardiff University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://orca.cf.ac.uk/73215/ |
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