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Description: | A copper alloy decorative strap fitting which most probably dates to the Late Iron Age. It is however also possibly that this object dates to the medieval period. If the strap fitting is Iron Age it would fit within the Type 4 category. This object could be a strap-slide.
The object is shaped like a quatrefoil, comprising four circular openwork loop joined in the centre by a solid plate of copper alloy. The object appears to have been cast as one piece. The central plate has been decoratively shaped and so a lobe projects into each openwork loop. In between where the loops are joined there is an incised linear groove, which clearly divides the loops.
On the central plate there are five pellets, which are in fact decorative rivets; these are also made of copper alloy. One rivet or pellet has been positioned on each lobe (and therefore sits inside the openwork loops). The fifth pellet decorates the centre of the copper alloy plate. On the reverse of the plate the five rivet terminals still survive.
One of the loops has in fact broken off. The break appears to have happened in antiquity but the actual break line is not that worn ?? which could indicate that this object broke from the strap it once decorated and fell to the ground, without there being time for the metal to be worn by later use.
The reverse of the object has the remains of two (out of a possible four) strap holders (similar to the reverse of a strap-slide). These are basically plates of copper alloy which have been bent into a rectangular box shape, so that the strap can be guided through them and kept in position). The other two attachment loops or strap holders have broken off (with the missing loop). The positioning of the two surviving strap holders could suggest that this object was used to decorate the junction where two straps crossed over each over, perhaps on a breast plate.
The metal has a high gloss patina which still survives as the original surface. The metal is a deep, rich greyish-green colour, typical of other Iron Age metalwork from this part of East Sussex. The metal is slightly pitted. | Subjects: | Strap-slide | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Andrews-Wilson, Liz - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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MOUNT
A cast copper alloy object,…
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