Deal Crown

Copper alloy crown. Found in situ on skull. The crown is made up of a decorated bronze band worn round the head, with a plain bronze strip rivetted onto it which would have run over the top of the head. The decorated band was two raised cordons bordered by plain flanges, with the decoration of La Tène style patterns in the 15mm width between the cordons. It was made from two unequal lengths that overlap and attached with rivets. The decoration does not run smoothly from one length to the other, suggesting that it was executed before they were riveted together. The metal was worn directly on the head and not padded or strengthened with leather; when found impressions of human hair were left in the corrosion on the inner surface.

The Deal Crown is on display at the British Museum in Gallery 50.