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Description: | Cast copper alloy furniture fitting or escutcheon (vessel mount) of either Roman (45 - 410 AD) or Medieval date (1050 - 1500 AD). The fitting is sub-rectangular in both plan and profile, with a large circular hollow on the reverse surface. The fitting measures 26.8mm length, 23.8mm width, and is 28.3mm thick. It weighs 57.22 grams. The lower front edge of the fitting depicts a cast and incised decoration of a human head. This head is probably that of a female. Abrasion and corrosion have masked some of the decorative features. The execution of the image is relatively good / lifelike; however, the features are slightly out of proportion. The design consists of the crown of the head with incised lines depicting hair. This hair flows from the crown and down the sides over the ears. Amongst this hair are a number of small uneven (and corroded) raised cast pellets (or dots): these might form a diadem crown. The hair frames the face. The face consists of a large bulbous nose and eyes formed from lentoid pellets. The mouth and chin is distorted by an area of abrasion. Below the chin on either side of the face are a series of incised lines that could represent a ruffled collar. The top of the fitting is flat and undecorated. The rear of the fitting is also undecorated and seems to be unfinished with a jagged surface. This surface has a large sub-circular cast hole (13.3mm length, 12.5mm width, and 6.7mm deep). On the left hand side of the face is a sub-circular cast hole. This hole extends into the hollow on the rear of the head. It is likely that this side hole was used to secure the head to a piece of furniture with a nail or rivet that is now lost. On the opposite side of the head (at the base of the right side of the face) are two sub-circular indentations. The fitting is a mid green colour with a heavy polished patina that covers all surfaces. The patina is abraded in several places and this has allowed small patches of light green corrosion to develop. The top of the fitting has a heavy well polished patina. The fitting is also slightly asymmetrical; this is likely to be due to movement in the plough soil. The dating and the finding of possible parallels for this artefact have been particularly difficult. It is thought that this artefact is most likely to be a furniture fitting, but it might possibly be an escutcheon (a mount from a copper alloy vessel). The dating elements are also difficult to interpret due to the presence of a possible diadem crown (which might indicate a Roman date) and also to the presence of a ruff below the chin (which might suggest a medieval date). The depiction and casting of the details on the face might also suggest a medieval rather than Roman date. Without a similar securely dated parallel it is unlikely that a secure date can be established for this artefact.
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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