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Description: | Incomplete cast alloy button and loop fastener. The flat head is incomplete, but the straight edges that remain suggest parallels with rectangular headed button and loop fasteners (see Wild, 1970). An annular attachment loop projects from the centre of the rear of the head. When the object is viewed in profile it can be seen that the loop is offset from the head, and rather than running parallel, the loop diverges from the head at a gentle angle.
In total the button and loop fastener is 33.17mm long. The head is 15.08mm long and 14.43mm wide. The object weighs 5.47g. The fastener has a dark brown patina, with some areas of green corrosion visible where the surface has been damaged. The head is decorated with blue and beige enamelled squares.
J.P Wild (1970) has introduced a classification based on shape and construction of button and loop fasteners. This object is most closely associated with Wild's class VIa ?? fasteners with rectangular enamelled heads (with the designs composed of squares and rectangles). This classification is based on only four known examples at the time, believed to be second century in date. All have triangular rather than annular loops. Further examples of class VIa button and loop fasteners have been identified since Wild??s work was published. (e.g. see PAS record SF9342).
Wild (Ibid. p145) notes the opinion that the purpose of the fasteners was to hold together two pieces of fabric, leather or woven textile. Wild adds: ??The shank or loop was either sewn to a fabric base or attached to it by a thong?? The head of the fastener was probably inserted through a slit or loop in another section of fabric.?? (Ibid. p145) | Subjects: | Class VIa | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Slarke, Duncan - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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