Finely handwrought in bronze or brass, of Villanovan type, a highly-developed Bronze Age warrior-farmer culture which reached its peak in Etruria (now N. Italy) in the 9th-8th century BCE. Wrought in two pieces of hammered sheet and seamed at the peaked crest as is characteristic. Each side divided equally with fine embossed studs, and containing symbols of enormous importance in Villanovan and other Bronze Age cultures: in the upper registers are a pair of ducks in profile, executed in fine punchwork and representing potency, and in the lower, a pair of four-spoked wheels, representing chariots, the cutting-edge military technology of the day and therefore, power. With overlapping borders retained by a pair of bronze spikes at each side and rolled border with a pair of punched holes for securing to the head. The interior with old collection tag and white painted number 1643. Well patinaed overall. 19th century or earlier. Overall height 23 cm / 9". Condition V