|
Date: |
|
Description: | Medieval swivel strap fitting; Cast copper alloy swivel strap fitting with zoomorphic terminals, dated to the 12th-13th centuries. This artefact is one half of a swivel fitting which would originally have consisted of two D-shaped loops, one with a pin and one with a socket, fitted together such that the loops can be swivelled on the pin.
This artefact is the loop with the socket to hold the pin. It consists of a D shaped loop of circular cross section which flares at either end to debased animal head terminals. The terminals are stepped to indicate a brow ridge and have little knobs to indicate ears. There is a deep incised line down the centre of each head between the ears and circular drilled pits to indicate the eyes. The heads grasp a broad, oval boss (11.9mm long, 9.4mm wide and 4.8mm thick) with a circular vertical hole through it to accept the pin from the other loop of the swivel fitting. The top of the hole has worn oval from use. It is 25.1mm long, 22.1mm wide and 9.4mm thick and weighs 6.7 grams.
Many similar examples have been recorded on the PAS database, SUR-7E4B74 is a complete example with both loops and pin. The exact function of such pieces is uncertain, but it is suggested that they may have formed part of a lead for pets (G. Egan; 1998; pp. 296). | Subjects: | Swivel | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Burnett, Laura - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
|
|