Strap junction (detail)

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This is a detail of the enamel decoration on a strap junction for horse harness found at the site of the Roman fort at Inchtuthil in Perthshire. It dates from between 83 and 87 AD. The object is of native manufacture.

The picture shows one end of the strap junction. In places the red enamel has broken away, revealing a bubbly surface underneath which was probably the adhesive used. The bar in back, through which the leather straps were fed, can also be seen in this picture.

Inchtuthil was a major fortress built as part of Agricola's expansion into northern Scotland. It was occupied for a relatively short time, allowing the objects found there to be dated quite precisely.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-756-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FY 168
• Date: Between 83 and 87 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; in the form of a slightly convex bar with expanded rectangular ends and backed half roundels in centre; whole surface inlaid with alternate areas of red, blue and buff enamel, in four rows of triangles at the ends
  Strap junction
  
• Dimensions: 4.05" L x 0.80" across ends
  
• What: Strap junction
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Caputh, Inchtuthill
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze strap junction with upper surface inset with red, blue and buff enamel, from the Roman legionary fortress at Inchtuthill, Perthshire
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 35-6, 58; vol. 2, no. 32. 
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