torcs

Torcs are rigid neck ornaments designed to encircle the neck, typically in the form of a circular or oval band. They are most often made from gold, but bronze and other metals are known, and some torcs are composed of multiple twisted bands to create a rope-like appearance. The terminals at the ends are frequently decorated and can be plain or stylized as animal heads or geometric motifs. Some torcs are hinged or fastened with a catch, while others are closed loops that require careful fitting.

Dating and distribution evidence shows torcs across a wide span of Europe from the Bronze Age into the Iron Age. They are especially associated with Celtic-speaking regions and are widely found in Britain, Ireland, Gaul, Iberia, and parts of central Europe. Torcs are commonly found in graves and hoards, indicating they served as indicators of status, wealth, and possibly ritual power rather than everyday wear.

Manufacture varied by culture and period. Techniques included casting or hammering single-loop torcs, as well as fabricating torcs from twisted wires or multiple bands that were joined at the terminals. Ornamentation ranged from plain to highly elaborate, with terminals that could be animal-inspired or geometric. In modern times, torcs are studied as important archaeological artifacts, displayed in museums, and sometimes reproduced or adapted in contemporary jewelry inspired by ancient metalwork.