Torcs were made by twisting flat, round, square or triangular sectioned rods of gold into a spiral shape. A variation of the basic bar torc was made by hammering flanges out from the angles of square or triangular sectioned bars before twisting.
l Technique: By varying the size of the flanges, the length of the bar and the degree of twist that was applied, craftsmen could make a great variety of these flanged torcs. Catches could be created by hammering the end of the torc into the required shape. These were sometimes simple hooks or could be more elaborate spirals (see Fig. 21.13). All torcs were made from one piece of gold.
l Decoration: The twisted forms were the decoration as well as the structure of the torcs. Some had decorative catches (Fig. 21.14).
Figure 21.12 Ribbon torc from Belfast.
Figure 21.14 Flanged torcs came in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Gold hammered into shape
Flanges hammered out from a solid bar Decorated catch
Twisted to form a spiral Figure 21.13 Method of making flanged torcs. 304 NEW APPRECIATING ART IRELAND AND ITS PLACE IN THE WIDER WORLD
