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Description: | A complete cast copper-alloy medieval seal matrix of conical form which has survived well (c. 14th century AD). The handle is hexagonally faceted. The facets are worn; those below the larger faces of the suspension loop are larger. Continuous with the handle is a trefoil suspension loop with a central circular perforation (int. dia.: c. 3.85mm). The circular die features the Virgin and child engraved in intaglio. The device is divided from the legend by double arcs on either side; they are broken by the head and legs of the Virgin which travel as far as the incised border around the legend. Viewing the seal itself, Mary is standing right, crowned head facing, holding Christ in her left arm and perhaps a cross or lily in her right hand. A personal legend reads 'PIERRE . RA-ChINDE . P.' (Peter Rachinde P). The 'P' may refer to a job title, perhaps ecclesiastical given the device: priest (presbyter (L.)/pr??tre (Fr.)), or pastor (parochus (L.)/ pasteur (Fr.)). French versions are offered as the use of 'Pierre' rather than 'Piers' suggests a foreign origin for the owner of this object. Further the lack of an 'S'' (for 'sigillum') might suggest a foreign provenance (Chris Whittick pers. comm. 22 October 2008). The artefact has an even dark grey-green patina. The lettering seems consistent with a date in the first half of the 14th century AD. Inscription: PIERRE . RA-ChINDE . P. | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Webley, Robert - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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