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Description: | Early Medieval Anglo-Saxon cast copper alloy button brooch with gilt surface. The brooch is circular with a worn rim, the maximum diameter of 15.29mm. The plate is 3.49mm thick, increasing to 6.43mm to include the hinge lug, and 5.26 to include the catchplate.The brooch is decorated with a relatively naturalistic human face mask motif, surrounded by a raised concentric ring and a relatively wide upturned rim. The face mask on this brooch is comprised of 5 different raised elements. The helmet is curved, with a slightly concave base. The eyebrow element is situated immediately below the helmet, and they curve inline to the base of the helmet and have a flat lower edge. The centre of the eyebrow element is joined to the nose, forming a 'T' shape. The nose is very short and wide, and is rectangular in appearance. There are no eyes or eyerings present below the eyebrows. The eye, eyering and cheek elements have been combined in the form of well placed triangular cheeks to each side of the nose. The mouth is comprised of a small triangle, with a slightly recessed centre. The face mask design is symmetrical, showing a good level of craftsmanship, despite the crude appearance of the design itself. The upper surface of the brooch is in relatively good condition, the gilt survives in all the recessed areas, however is missing from some of the more prominent face-mask elements and the upturned rim. Where the gilt is missing, the brooch has an even mid-green patina.The reverse of the brooch is incomplete. The pin alignment is down the length of the face, with the hinge lug at 180 degrees and the catchplate at 0 degrees. These angles correspond to the face of the brooch as opposed to the reverse so they are comparable with the measurements from Avent and Evison's research. Both of the pin fittings were integrally cast with the brooch, however they are now incomplete with worn breaks. The pin is missing, however a small amount of iron corrosion from the pin survives on the reverse of the brooch. There is some damage to the reverse of the brooch, and on the outer edge of the rim.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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