The Swinford Torc
Swinford Torc
It was originally discovered in Culmore Swinford Co. Mayo in Oct 1868 by a group cutting turf at a depth of 2 metres. It consists of a flat ribbon on gold, twisted and ending in hooks and worn around the neck.
Dimensions
Diameter 212.53 mm
Thickness 15.25 mm
Weight 120.5 grammes
There is considerable debate regarding the dating of Torcs, but it is generally accepted that they date from either the Middle Bronze Age c. 2300 BC or the Iron Age c. 1300 BC.
The Swinford Torc originally belonged to a collection of a Mrs Ruth Faulkner Executor of the Estate of the Late Mr GT Lucas of Bentley Ashbourne Co Derry. It was purchased by the British Museum in 1873 and held there under Object Reference Number BCB62397. It was exhibited in India in 1997/98.
Bibliography:
The Ribbon Torc. Author Brian Clarke 2014. www.ribbontorc.com
The Accomplished Ard. Author George Eoghan 1994 Oxford Books