The hoop epaulet

The hoop epaulet was made of bronze using a casting technique. The diameter of the hoop is 9 cm and its thickness is about 1 cm. Found near Bydgoszcz, it was made between the 8th and 6th century B.C. The hoop-shaped epaulet is closed, i.e. there are no gaps around the circumference. This specimen is distinguished by its decoration - transverse ribs imitating oblique torsion. The apparent torsion ribs are shimmering copper-gold bronze, while the recesses are dark brown. Hoop ornaments for arms or legs were more common in the older Bronze Age periods, although they are encountered in the early Iron Age. It is noteworthy that the closed hoop design form is one that is rarely found in the Polish lands.