AMICA ID:
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MMA_.17.194.1919
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AMICA Library Year:
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2002
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Object Type:
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Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
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Description:
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This torque, or neck ring, is an elegant example of one of the most important forms of jewelry for the ancient Celts. The lower half of the ring has been formed into a series of large beads that were once inset with red enamel. Though now somewhat corroded, the piece nonetheless gives an idea of how Celtic artisans elaborated upon the basic ring-shaped form. Worn by both men and women, a torque was often seen as a symbol of divinity or high rank in addition to serving talismanic purposes. Ancient writers noted that the Celtic queen Boadicea, who fought the Romans in eastern Britain, wore a golden neck ring in battle. Celtic artists often depicted deities wearing or holding torques, and torques were also included among votive treasures placed at sanctuaries.
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Creator Nationality:
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European; Celtic
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Celtic
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Title:
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Torque (Neck Ring)
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View:
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Principal view
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Creation Date:
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4th?3rd century B.C.
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Creation Start Date:
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0
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Creation End Date:
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0
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Materials and Techniques:
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Copper alloy
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Style or Period:
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European Iron Age
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Dimensions:
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Diam. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York
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ID Number:
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17.194.1919
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Credit Line:
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Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
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Copyright:
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Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
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Rights:
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MMA_.h1_17.194.1919.tif
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