|
Date: |
|
Description: | Cast copper alloy swivel strap fitting with zoomorphic terminals, dating to the medieval period, i.e. c. 12th-13th centuries. This artefact is one half of a swivel fitting which would originally have consisted of two D-shaped loops, which both could be swivelled on a central, connecting pin which is still intact. the remaining D-shaped loop display another, smaller loop on the bottom which received the central pin. The D-shaped loop has a 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 the bottom loop which accepts the pin from the central pin. 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). | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Boughton, Dot - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
|
|