Strap ornament

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This enamelled bronze strap ornament was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was mounted on the horse harness of a member of the auxiliary cavalry, probably for ceremonial use. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The strap ornament is quite corroded and pitted. It has a hole in the centre and a loop across the back.

The harnesses of Roman cavalrymen were decorated with a range of mounts and pendants. Some of the finer examples, such as this one, were probably used in tournaments or ceremonies rather than fighting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-204-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 839
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Enamel; perforated
  Strap mount
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Strap mount
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Enamelled strap mount from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 333, Pl. LXXXIX, 18. 
• Translations:
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