Art Resource - ART201050

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Decorated bronze mirror, Iron Age, 50 BC-50 AD. The pattern on the back can be interpreted as an abstract or hidden face. In parts of the pattern, lines were made at right angles to each other to make a prominent 'basket-weave' effect. The back of bronze mirrors were ideal for demonstrating both the skills of the bronze worker and decorator. The decoration required considerable time and skill to produce, and only a few people could make them. Because of this they became a symbol of the high status of their owners. Recent archaeologists have suggested that mirrors should be seen as symbols of female status and power, making as significant a statement for women as swords did for men. This mirror was probably placed in a Late Iron Age cremation grave, but the grave was destroyed by ploughing. The main part of the mirror was found by a farmer, in Aston, Hertfordshire; the handle found the following year. These mirrors were only made in Britain.
P AND EE, 1979 10-2 1

Location British Museum/London/Great Britain

Unique Identifier ART201050

Type Image

Purpose Public

Size 1180px × 1600px

Photo Credit Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY

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