Enameller

Barbarian tribes were characterised in civilised minds by an unrestrained wildness, closeness to nature and emphasis on visual impact. What remains of their jewellery does not contradict this. The elaborate La Tene style featured flora and fauna imbued with a wild, snaking energy that gave the signature 'torc' its name (from the Latin ‘torqueo’, or twist). This item’s popularity was largely due to its potency as a status signifier in a society that was highly stratified and conscious of display. Enamelling techniques were enthusiastically received by the barbarians, so much so that they rapidly became world leaders, producing elaborate items of jewellery prized throughout the ancient world.