|
Date: |
|
Description: | A copper alloy seal matrix of Medieval date. It has a flat circular die with hexagonally faceted conical terminal that tapers to a raised collar. Above the collar is an integral circular suspension loop with faceted exterior surfaces and small central circular perforation. At the centre of the die is a bird with long tail, folded wings and long beak within an inner circle. It is presumably depicted walking to the left, although if the matrix is oriented so that the start of the legend reads from the top (12 O'clock position) the bird is facing upwards. Possibly this is supposed to represent a pelican or similar bird. Surrounding the central motif is a legend that reads PII.VESV, which is probably an illiterate version of PIE JESV standing for 'Kind' or 'Pius' Jesus. The matrix measures 17.86mm in height, 17.13mm in diameter, and weighs 6.95g. The use of simple non-heraldic decorative motifs, often with corresponding legends that can be religious in nature is a common feature on seal matrices from the 14th century AD onwards (Harvey and McGuinness, 1996: 88-89). This example is of similar date, probably belonging in the 14th century AD. Inscription: *PII.VESV | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Brown, Andrew | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
|
|