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Description: | Fragment of cast copper alloy object, possibly a censer cover. The fragment is irregular in outline, having broken away from the main body of the original object. It is flat in section. The main body of the object is a flat fronted panel, but set with a triangular recess, formed by two inward angles approximately half way along. To one side of the recess, the panel survives fairly well and is perforated with a rectangle with a circular end, much the shape of a keyhole. Otherwise, other perforations on this portion of panel and at the opposite end of the panel have been bisected by the break edge giving it its irregular outline. Surviving edges suggest that the keyhole motif was repeated along its length. At the upper edge of the better surviving portion of panel, a small portion angles upward at about 45 degrees. This angled portion is also perforated, and again the perforation has been bisected where the edge is broken. What remains of the perforation is semicircular, suggesting that perhaps the keyhole motif was mirrored. Along the lower long edge of the main panel extends a further solid rectangular side panel set at a downward slope of about 45 degrees. Extending from the bottom edge of this panel at about 90 degrees is a down turned solid flange. Within the triangular recess is a hole, which holds a separate copper alloy circular sectioned shaft, which extends to approximately the same height as the main panel before it angles upwards (it appears to be complete). When the object is viewed from the reverse side, the bottom of the shaft is flush with the underneath. The object is decorated with incised decoration. Around the surviving and partial perforations is a border of punched triangles. Punched triangles are also used on the down turned panel, set in four rough circles, points outwards, giving a flower like impression. The flange is decorated with hatched lines set between a horizontal line to top and bottom. The reverse of the object is plain. Break edges are worn suggesting damage occurred in antiquity. The original surface survives with a dark green patina. The reverse is slightly rougher, with a lighter green colour. The object is 37.14mm long, 45.26mm wide and weighs 18.6g. The keyhole shaped perforations might suggest that this object is a lock front to a box of some description, though the repeated nature of the key hole motif would mean that any lock mechanism was not securely housed. Instead it is suggested that the fragment is part of a medieval censer, a vessel swung during a church service to release incense. Censers usually took the form of gothic architecture, a polygonal building with a steep roof, said to represent the temple of Solomon (see the Victoria and Albert Museum website http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/bbchistory/object_text06.htm for more information). Base metal censers are known, and though this fragment is relatively crude, it is not impossible that it is from such an object given its architectural feel and the fact it was found within half a mile of a church. However, it cannot be entirely ruled out that it is from another unknown object of medieval date.
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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