An Iron Age gold torc from Heerlen (prov. Limburg/NL)

Abstract

An Iron Age gold torc from Heerlen (prov. Limburg/NL)

In 1999 the coincidental discovery of a gold torc at Heerlen presented an addition to the relatively few objects of early La Tene fine metalwork to be found in the Netherlands. Following a brief description of the find circumstances a de- tailed metallurgical analysis compares the Heerlen torc with other gold rings of similar date from Europe. Further notes on the ring's typology, while noting parallels in Central and eastern France as well as in the Middle Rhine and the Ardennes, do not allow a precise definition of its provenance. Such parallels do however confirm that the Heerlen torc is a fine example of early La Tene metalwork as associated with Lt A/B1 elite burials.