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Description: | An incomplete and broken cast copper-alloy artefact of uncertain date and fucntion. The object has now broken into two adjoining pieces. The first is of rectangular cross-section and tapers towards the break with the other element, from a maximum width of 6.55mm to one of 3.5mm. At the other end is a moulded collar below what appears to be a further, rough break. This piece, as the other, is of a red-brown colour with traces of gilding. It is 47.4mm in length. The first piece, reminiscent of a handle, when joined with the second forms a whole which curves round on itself in a 'U' shape, whilst also twisting slightly. This second element is openwork and moulded, possibly in zoomorphic form. It is 40.1mm long, 19.05mm wide and 3.85mm thick. One long edge is relatively straight, while the opposite edge curves in a gradual 'S'. The are four circular perforations in a semicircular arc running near the straight edge, broadly parallel with the curved edge. If this is a representation of an animal then the holes might distinguish legs. On the short edge opposite the handle there may be a further pair of perforations which have abraded through over time. The curved edge terminates in an overhanging pointed snout (or tail?). Curved punched decoration may represent scales, feathers, hair or fur. This element too is gilded, as stated above. It is possibly futile to speculate on the function of such a piece given the manifold options and the facts of its incompleteness and damage. However, the metal and its treatment, and the form of the object hint at a date for it probably either in the medieval or post-medieval periods.An object with broadly similar characteristics of form can be found in the 2004 TAR (301; fig. 338) - a toothpick!
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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