A metal detectorist has uncovered a small piece of a Bronze Age torc in a field near the village of Erpingham in Norfolk, England. The piece, which is made of gold and 2.4 mm thick, was uncovered in September 2023. It is unusual in that it was made from a three-sided gold bar, twisted to form the distinctive form of the torc, rather than a four flanged piece, which is the typical form. The section of torc has then been twisted into a small spiral with two full turns, 11 mm in diameter.
The item is thought to date the Middle Bronze Age from between about 1400 BC and about 1100 BC, although torcs were a fairly ubiquitous piece of Bronze Age jewellery, and it could date from somewhat later. It is thought likely that the fragment was buried as an offering to the gods, (small individually buried items of jewellery and other valuable items are common from Bronze Age Europe) but it may simply have been hidden for safe--keeping by an owner who never returned.
The item has been declared Treasure Trove by Norfolk Coroner's Court, which in the UK means that the finder is entitled to a reward for finding a culturally significant item, but does not get to keep it. Norwich Castle Museum is hoping to acquire the item for its collection.
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