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Description: | Cast copper alloy strap fitting or pendant of probable Roman date (c.100 - c.350). The pendant is broadly sub-rectangular (lozenge or diamond shaped) in plan with an integral cast suspension loop which is set at 90 degrees to the plain of the pendant. This loop extends from the upper edge (or lower depending on orientation) and is broadly sub-rectangular in shape with an irregular (rectangular) hole cast through the centre (5.2mm x 4mm). There is some evidence for wear on this loop and this would suggest that the it was orientated vertically. The edges of the front face of the pendant are bevelled (whilst the rear is flat). Two countersunk holes are present on the body of the pendant, and these are both stained with iron corrosion. The presence of these holes suggests that the body of the pendant was riveted to something else ?? possibly a leather strap? There are no remains of the rivets. There is also no evidence of applied, cast or incised decoration present on either face of the pendant.
The pendant measures 42.6mm in length, 15.2mm width, is 8.5mm thick across the loop, 2.2mm thick across the pendant, and weighs 5.26 grams.
The pendant is a mid bluish green colour with polished but slightly abraded patina which covers most surfaces. A direct parallel has not been found and there is some debate as whether to describe it as a looped strap fitting or a pendant. The presence of the two rivet holes suggests that the fitting was a practical object used to suspend an object from a leather strap or belt; however, all similar examples discovered suggest that looped artefacts of this nature are used as suspended pendants. | Subjects: | Pendant | 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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