Llyn Cerrig Bach Plaque facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Llyn Cerrig Bach Plaque
Cilgant Llyn Cerrig Bach
Material	Bronze
Symbols	triskele
Period/culture	Iron Age 200BC - 100AD
Discovered	Llyn Cerrig Bach

The Llyn Cerrig Bach Plaque (called Cilgant Llyn Cerrig Bach in Welsh) is an ancient bronze plaque. It was made during the Iron Age, sometime between 200 BC and 100 AD. This special plaque was found at a place called Llyn Cerrig Bach in Wales.

This plaque is a beautiful piece of decorated bronze. It shows designs from the La Tène culture, which was a style popular in ancient Europe. Experts think it might have been used to decorate a shield, making it look more impressive.

The Plaque's Story

The Llyn Cerrig Bach Plaque is a bronze object from the Iron Age. It was likely used to decorate a shield or perhaps a chariot. This plaque was thrown into Llyn Cerrig Bach, a lake on Anglesey (which is called Ynys Môn in Welsh).

The Triskele Symbol

The plaque features a unique three-legged symbol called a triskele. Some people think this symbol looks like a puffin's foot. It is also sometimes called a "trumpet motif" because of its swirling shape.

The triskele symbol might have special meanings. Some believe it represents important ideas like the living, the dead, and the gods. Others think it shows the cycle of birth, life, and death. Another idea is that it stands for earth, wind, and water.

The pattern on the plaque was made by skillfully hammering the bronze from the back. This created a raised design on the front.

A Significant Discovery

Dr. Mark Redknap from Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, has said that the plaque is very important. He believes it helps us understand early Celtic art in Britain.

The Llyn Cerrig Bach Plaque is one of 181 metal objects found at Llyn Cerrig Bach. These items were discovered in 1942. Workers were digging for peat to build RAF Valley, an air force base, when they found these ancient treasures.

Historian John Creighton suggests that druids might have influenced the art of this time. Druids were powerful religious leaders in ancient Celtic societies. The Llyn Cerrig Bach plaque could be an example of their influence on art and design.

The Llyn Cerrig Bach finds were shown to the public at Oriel Ynys Môn in Llangefni. This special exhibition took place from July 14 to November 11 in 2012.

See also

• Archaeology of Wales
• Celtic Britons
• Celtic art