Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze hitch ring - 14 cm
02
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22
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Bronze hitching ring from the Roman Empire, dating to the 2nd–4th century AD, 14 cm high and 10 cm wide, about 360 g, fully cast in bronze with a solar disc motif, originally used on a heavy harness for a cart or draft animal, mounted on a black lacquered forged-iron base.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This object is a hitch-guide ring (or yoke guide) dating from Roman to medieval times, entirely cast in bronze. It is a heavy piece for its size and massive in feel, designed to withstand substantial traction forces.
The object is decorated on both sides with a hot-stamp pattern, a signature of Roman craft.
It dates from the Gallo-Roman period, more precisely between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD (Late Republic to Late Roman Empire).
This equipment belonged to a set of heavy harness or saddlery for a cart or draft animal (horse or ox). It was fixed to the wooden yoke of the draft apparatus. The large central opening guided the thick leather traces to prevent them from tangling under strain, while the small upper loop served as a fixed anchor point. The four small lateral protrusions (the fins) acted as wedges or stops to stabilize the ring in its wooden frame or leather seat. Bronze was an expensive metal. Ordinary guide rings were often made of wrought iron. A model this heavy and worked in bronze indicates it belonged to a valuable transport cart, a parade cart, or Roman or medieval military draft equipment.
Interesting to note: the central circle and the overall silhouette of the object replicate the motif of the wheel or the solar disk, a universal symbol of the sun’s course across the sky. The four small points stylize the sun’s rays radiating from the central disk, reinforcing the piece’s cosmological and sacred aspect.
In the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD (the period of this object), the cult of the solar deity (Sol Invictus, the Invincible Sun) was extremely popular in the Roman Empire, particularly among soldiers and convoy drivers. It was therefore very common to decorate bronze vehicle parts with the attributes of this protective deity.
In short, this object is a strongly religious and symbolically significant hitch piece, shaped to resemble a solar deity to bring its divine protection to the roads of the Empire.
Dimensions: 14 cm high x 10 cm wide, 360 g
Cast in one piece, sand casting or lost-wax casting. Bronze patina.
Mounted on a wrought-iron base and black lacquered.
Private Belgian collection of the seller.
Will be sent by BPOST with tracking number.
This object is a hitch-guide ring (or yoke guide) dating from Roman to medieval times, entirely cast in bronze. It is a heavy piece for its size and massive in feel, designed to withstand substantial traction forces.
The object is decorated on both sides with a hot-stamp pattern, a signature of Roman craft.
It dates from the Gallo-Roman period, more precisely between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD (Late Republic to Late Roman Empire).
This equipment belonged to a set of heavy harness or saddlery for a cart or draft animal (horse or ox). It was fixed to the wooden yoke of the draft apparatus. The large central opening guided the thick leather traces to prevent them from tangling under strain, while the small upper loop served as a fixed anchor point. The four small lateral protrusions (the fins) acted as wedges or stops to stabilize the ring in its wooden frame or leather seat. Bronze was an expensive metal. Ordinary guide rings were often made of wrought iron. A model this heavy and worked in bronze indicates it belonged to a valuable transport cart, a parade cart, or Roman or medieval military draft equipment.
Interesting to note: the central circle and the overall silhouette of the object replicate the motif of the wheel or the solar disk, a universal symbol of the sun’s course across the sky. The four small points stylize the sun’s rays radiating from the central disk, reinforcing the piece’s cosmological and sacred aspect.
In the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD (the period of this object), the cult of the solar deity (Sol Invictus, the Invincible Sun) was extremely popular in the Roman Empire, particularly among soldiers and convoy drivers. It was therefore very common to decorate bronze vehicle parts with the attributes of this protective deity.
In short, this object is a strongly religious and symbolically significant hitch piece, shaped to resemble a solar deity to bring its divine protection to the roads of the Empire.
Dimensions: 14 cm high x 10 cm wide, 360 g
Cast in one piece, sand casting or lost-wax casting. Bronze patina.
Mounted on a wrought-iron base and black lacquered.
Private Belgian collection of the seller.
Will be sent by BPOST with tracking number.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
IIe-IV siècle avant JC
Name of object
hitch ring
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2011
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
14 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
10 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
