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Description: | An incomplete copper-alloy strap-end of medieval date. This artefact represents the lower half of a two-piece strap-end with a hinged plate and loop. Similar examples have been found in late 14th to early 15th century layers in London (G. Egan and F. Pritchard; 1991; pp. 154-5). Their exact function is uncertain. They may have been clothing accessories, attached by a chain; an alternative theory, given credence by their often close association with ecclesiastical contexts, is that they were book fasteners.
The cast loop section is roughly semi-circular in plan. At each corner of the flat top edge is a broken hinge attachment, which would have held the now-missing axis bar. The upper surface has moulded decoration consisting of three transverse bands. The upper and lower bands are in relief and are covered with rows of closely-speaced punched circles. The central band is recessed, has a single row of punched circles at the top and bottom, and a circular central aperture. At the bottom is a projection in the form of a three-dimensional zoomorphic head. A moulded brow ridge and nose are visible on top of the head and on the vertical bottom edge is depicted an open mouth. A circular aperture passes horizontally through the head and may have served as a means of attachment for a chain or chord. On the back of the animal's head is an empty circular setting which probably once held a stone or glass inset. The underside of the object is flat and plain.
The piece measures 25.5mm long, 16.4mm wide and 6.1mm thick. The weight is 5.41g. | Subjects: | Two-piece with hinged plate and loop | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Watters, Julian - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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