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Description: | Complete cast copper alloy ??vesica?? shaped seal matrix of medieval date (1200-1400). The seal matrix is sub-oval (oval with pointed ends) in plan and sub-rectangular in cross section. It measures 35.5mm in length, 21.1mm width and is 9.8mm (maximum) thick. On the reverse face of the seal on the upper edge in alignment with the two pointed ends, is a small sub-oval perforated lug. This lug is set at an angle of 90?? to the plain of the body of the seal and expands from a vertical rib which divides the seal in two. The perforation in the lug is irregular and shows signs of wear through use. Apart from this rib the reverse of the matrix is plain and undecorated. The matrix weighs 12.48 grams.
The design on the front face of the matrix consists of a central motif with an inscription reading anti-clockwise (clockwise in the impression) around the edge. The area where the central motif has been incised is raised above the border which contains the inscription. The design on this panel has been applied with care and skill, it is well cut and both symmetrical and to scale. The design is a relatively common medieval seal showing the Lamb of God (Agnes Dei), with its head turned backwards (looking over its shoulder). Beneath the Lamb is an incised cross. From the centre of the back of the Lamb a standard extends with a small cross terminal. This standard divides the upper part of the seal matrix evenly in two parts. From this standard a banner is depicted, this consists of a small incised square which has been sub-divided by vertical and horizontal lines, and has a series of tassels cut from its right hand edge. Above the banner, to the right of the standard, is an incised crescent shaped moon, with a star cupped in the crescent. To the left of the banner a sun (pellet with radiating curvi-linear lines) has been incised beneath which a small star has been cut. This whole design is contained within a double incised (vesica shaped) border which separates the edge of the design from the raised panel. The inscription is incomplete, and has been affected by a combination of abrasion and corrosion. It seems as if the inscription is formed from well cut, neat letters, it reads: * SI ROWTINE SIAV[M or U]ONE. In the inscription the R is relatively compact and angular with the tail being formed with a single narrow foot, the E??s are closed and the N (and possibly M) are lombardic in form. It is difficult to interpreted the seals inscription as a common phrase or name are not mention. The start SI is a contraction of Sigilum (or seal of). The word which starts SIAV might represent saviour (commonly found on religious inscriptions), also the word ROWTINE might represent a place name and there are a number of Rowton??s in Shropshire.
The seal is a dark green colour with an abraded patina that covers most surfaces. There are a number of areas of abrasion present to both faces of the seal; this has affected a small area of the inscription. Similar vesica shaped seals can be seen in the Salisbury Medieval Catalogue and are dated to the 13th and very early 14th Century (1200-1350). This date would fit in with the style of lettering in the inscription
Inscription: * SI ROWTINE SIAV[M or U]ONE. | Subjects: | Vesica | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Reavill, Peter - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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