Iron Age Mirrors: A Biographical Approach

Description

Mirrors are amongst the most well known British Iron Age objects. They are of a type which is peculiar to Britain and are significantly different in form from contemporary Greek, Etruscan and Roman forms. 58 mirrors are known. They are made of bronze and iron, or sometimes a combination of bronze and iron components. Mirrors comprise a handle and a reflective plate, which is often decorated with intricate and free-flowing designs. Some plates are also rimmed. Mirrors are found throughout Britain; two have been discovered in Ireland and two others are known from the continent. They are most commonly found in graves; but were also deposited in bogs and rarely at settlements. They date to the mid-late Iron Age. This book tests the applicability of the biographical approach to prehistoric objects and the application of the biographical approach to prehistoric material culture is evaluated by constructing biographies for Iron Age mirrors. List of Figures List of Tables Preface Chapter 1. introduction Chapter 2. Biographical Approach Chapter 3. Making Mirrors Chapter 4a. Mirror Decoration Chapter 4b. Mirror Decoration Chapter 5. Analysis of Use Chapter 6. Mirror Form Chapter 7. Mirror as Social Nexus Chapter 8. Dating Audit Chapter 9. Depositional Context Chapter 10. Biographical Mirrors Chapter 11. Conclusions Appendix A. Catalogue of British Mirrors Appendix Ab. Catalogue of British Mirrors Appendix B. Dating Audit Appendix C. Decorated with mirror motifs Appendix D. Mirror Handles Appendix E. Trace Element Appendix F. Decorated Plates Appendix G. Mirror Size Appendix H. Use wear analysis References