Dating back to around 600 B.C. and originating from Scandinavia, this torque possesses a design that is visually deceptive. At first glance, it may appear to be wrapped in a wide flat wire that changes direction six times. However, the intricate pattern is not the result of wrapping but rather has been intricately carved into the metal.
The exact origin of this item is unknown, but similar torques have been discovered in peat bogs. It is believed that these torques were either thrown as offerings to a god or goddess or used as symbols of gratitude.
The term "torque" is derived from the Latin word "torquis" or "torques," which, in turn, comes from "torqueo," meaning "to twist." This name reflects the twisted shape that many of these neck-rings exhibit. In the case of neck-rings that open at the front when worn, they are commonly referred to as "torcs," while those that open at the back are often called "collars." Smaller bracelets and armlets worn around the wrist or upper arm sometimes share very similar forms.
Torcs were typically crafted from single or multiple intertwined metal rods or "ropes" of twisted wire. The materials used for torcs varied but often included gold or bronze, with silver, iron, or other metals occasionally used (although gold, bronze, and silver tend to preserve better when buried for extended periods). Elaborate torcs sometimes had hollow components and were created through a combination of casting and other techniques. The Ipswich Hoard, for instance, contains unfinished torcs that provide insights into the various stages of production. Flat-ended terminals on torcs are known as "buffers," and in certain types, such as the "fused-buffer" design, where two terminals appear as one, the component is referred to as a "muff."