- Chapter Twenty -
shows a penchant for three-dimensional forms in metal, such as the bronze ankle-
and arm-rings and false filigree objects in bronze and gold (Figures 20.1(6), 2004).
A small but striking group of bronze objects, mostly horse and chariot fittings or
flagon mounts possibly originating in central Europe, displays an almost film-
cartoon-like stylization of animals and human faces giving rise to the name 'Disney
style' (Figure 20.1(6)) (Megaw 1970b). Throughout the Middle La Tene period,
particularly in eastern and central Europe, one can observe the production of
specialized ornaments for women, not only ankle-rings but also complex girdle-
chains incorporating enamel inlay (Stanczik and Vaday 1971; Challet 1992).
Figure 20.4 Hinged cast bronze 'Plastic' Style ankle-ring, decorated with triskels, from
Straubing-Alburg, Stadtkr. Straubing, Germany, Grave 4. D. 12 cm. Later third century Be.
(Photo: Romisch-Gcrmanische Kommission, Frankfurt, J. Bahlo.)Greater centralization and the further development of regional skilled technol-
ogies such as the near mass-production of fine wheel-made pottery, iron and steel
and the production of rings and other objects in both glass and sapropelite - a form
of shale - is evident from the latter part of the second century Be onwards. This
was inextricably connected with the establishment of defended tribal centres, called