Snettisham Great Torc
by Ancient Celtic (Unknown), -75
Details
- Year
- -75
- Medium
- Gold and silver alloy (electrum)
- Size
- 20 cm (7.9 in) diameter
The Snettisham Great Torc is the finest example of Iron Age goldwork from Britain. Made around 75 BCE from gold mixed with silver (electrum), this neck ring weighs over a kilogram. Eight twisted gold rods, each made from eight wires, form the main body. Ornate terminals at each end feature complex relief decoration.
Discovered in Norfolk in 1950, this torc was part of a massive hoard containing over 175 torcs and other gold objects. The Snettisham hoards remain Britain's largest Iron Age treasure. Why were they buried? Perhaps as offerings to gods, or to hide wealth during Roman invasion. Torcs were symbols of power and status in Celtic society. The British Museum displays the Great Torc as evidence of sophisticated Celtic metalworking.
