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Description: | A copper-alloy seal matrix with a conical handle. The artefact was cast, and then carved and engraved to a high standard. The handle has six facets and is surmounted by a perforated trilobate terminal; the perforation is also trilobate. Below this is a 'collar' consisting of three narrow bands. The surface of the die is completely flat. The die features an image of a curled-up lion with centrally parted mane, with a very submissive, downtrodden appearance. Only the left hind leg is visible, along with a long tail curled around below the body, mane, long snout, large eyes and floppy ears. Above the animal is a male bust, facing right, with curling locks, portrayed in a Classical style.To the left and right of centre there are bunches of what may be flowers or sheaves. Around the whole is a beaded circle, set in from the edge. The execution is fine and neat. The base of the handle has a simple engraved six-pointed star to mark the top of the design. There is no inscription. The surface is smooth and dark brownish green, with a few spots of corrosion. The design on the die and the quality of the artefact might suggest a post-medieval date; however, the form of the handle suggests a late medieval origin (this was of course the time of the Renaissance, and so Classical themes were well-known).The design is also notably similar to others found in Sussex: SUSS-222E27 has an identical animal, albeit facing the other way, with a standard medieval inscription; this is a simpler seal matrix, but of course this may just reflect the different products available from a one craftsman. SUSS-4C7C77 is also executed in the same style, although octagonal with different animals. It is likely that these were all produced by the same local artisan. Chris Whittick (East Sussex County Council's Senior Archivist) believes that this seal matrix dates from 1320 +/- 20 years. This assumption was made from the style of the curls in the man's hair.
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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