Celtic Strap End with Double Mask Relief - Outlet
Warrior, are you handcrafting your own authentic Celtic gear and seeking that perfect piece to bestow ancient mythical power upon your belt? This finely cast brass strap end featuring a raised relief of two anthropomorphic masks is precisely the masterpiece that will turn your historical costume into the envy of the entire encampment. We highly recommend it for completing a narrow leather belt or strapping from the La Tène period. Awaken the spirit of ancient Celtic warriors, complete your gear for festivals, LARP, or historical reenactments, and show your comrades-in-arms your refined taste for authentic details! Further product information ...
Celtic Brass Strap End with Double Mask Relief
Celtic La Tène Art and the Symbolism of Masks
Historical originals of similar solid belt fittings date back to the Later Iron Age, specifically the La Tène culture (roughly 4th to 1st century BCE). Celtic art of this era was characterized by the so-called Plastic or Mask style (plastischer Stil). Celtic metalsmiths delighted in incorporating stylized human and animal faces into organic, swirling line work. These masks served more than a decorative purpose; they possessed deep apotropaic (protective) significance—intended to ward off evil spirits, intimidate enemies in battle, and safeguard the wearer from harm.
The strap end served to weigh down the loose tail of a long leather belt, ensuring that the strap draped elegantly when fastened, resisted twisting, and threaded easily through the buckle. The product is crafted as a high-quality hand-casting made of pure brass, featuring dark patination within the recesses of the relief to highlight every detail. At its wider base, it features two rivet holes. Mounting onto a leather strap is straightforward: place the final 12 mm (0.47 in) section of the belt against the back of the fitting and securely rivet it using two small brass rivets through the pre-drilled holes.
Strap End Specifications Table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | High-quality hand-cast pure brass |
| Historical Period | 4th to 1st century BCE (La Tène Culture, Iron Age) |
| Art Style | Celtic Mask / Plastic Style |
| Length | 63.5 mm / 2.50 in |
| Width | 12.9 mm / 0.51 in |
| Thickness | 2.3 mm / 0.09 in |
| Mounting | Riveted onto approx. 12 mm (0.47 in) leather with two rivets |
| Weight | approx. 9.7 g / 0.34 oz |
Brass Care and Safety Guidelines
My friend, to ensure this Celtic fitting serves you for many years and retains its striking appearance, proper care is essential. Due to air moisture and sweat, the brass surface may naturally oxidise and darken over time, which is a normal characteristic that enhances its historic aesthetic. If you prefer a radiant golden shine, we recommend occasionally polishing the strap end gently with a soft cotton cloth and a specialized brass cleaner. Take care during riveting—strike only the rivets directly to avoid denting or scratching the detailed relief of the casting.
Recommended Accessories
Along with this magnificent Celtic strap end, we strongly recommend purchasing a high-quality narrow strip of cowhide leather 12–13 mm (0.47–0.51 in) wide, a matching La Tène period Celtic brass buckle with a mask motif, and a set of mounting brass rivets. You will thus endow your proto-historic belt with an impeccably unified and historically accurate character.
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