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Date: |
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Description: | Cast copper alloy zoomorphic knife handle of probable Roman date (45-410 AD). The terminal is irregular in plan and cross section. The overall shape of the terminal is sub-rectangular; the long edges / sides taper to a rounded blunt point at one end. The exception to this tapering can be seen on one face where the terminal flares to form a zoomorphic birds head. This birds head (and all the decoration present) is cast. The head consists of a triangular shaped projecting hooked beak. There is a clear line dividing either edge of the beak to form a closed mouth. The eyes are slightly hooded and formed from recessed ovals set above the beak. It is likely that this head represents that of an eagle or large bird of prey. The lower half of the terminal is encased in an orange corrosion product; this corrosion is probably the remains of the iron knife blade. The corrosion has obscured any decorative detail present on the lower part of the terminal. The base of the knife handle is broadly triangular in cross section and also obscured by corrosion. It is possible that a small recess / slot is present to either allow the handle to be fitted to the top of the knife tang or to allow the blade of the knife to be folded shut. A small amount of iron (black coloured metal) is present at the base suggesting the presence of part of the iron knife blade or tang. This cannot be substantiated without removing the iron corrosion. The knife terminal measures 24.7mm length, 14.1mm wide, 15.4mm thick and weighs 15.49 grams.The knife terminal is a mid brown green colour with a thick heavy patina present on all surfaces. This patina has been chipped in several places and this has obscured the overall design of the terminal. The most likely cause for this abrasion is from movement in the plough soil. As mentioned above a large amount of encrusted orange brown iron corrosion is present on the lower half of the terminal. A direct parallel for this knife terminal has not been found; however other more common terminals are shown in Bedoyere's book: The finds of Roman Britain (p101-2 fig 60).
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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