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Description: | Medieval lead seal matrix, pointed oval shaped dating to the 13th-early 14th century. The matrix has a central carved motif of a fleur de lis with a surrounding legend. The legend is very worn on one side and is therefore not fully decipherable although the letters on the other side appear to read ORIS ROG. The preeceding word would have to be VXORIS - wife, as nothing else would fit indicating that this was a female's seal, the lady being the wife of Roger. The fleur de lis was a very common motif used during medieval times and it has been suggested that they were sometimes used by nuns although unless Roger had died this does not seem to be the case here.
This example is well executed although being on a lead seal (as opposed to a copper alloy seal) is likely to belong to a less wealthy individual. The reverse of the seal also shows some interesting detail. There is cast decoration of a two headed bird with wings spread out; above this is the usual attachment loop of the seal. The matrix weighs 13.37g and measures 32.04mm in length, 20.82mm in width and 6.58mm in thickness. | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Marshall, Anna - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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