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Description: | A complete cast copper alloy strap/ belt fitting in the form of a snake, dating to the late 16th/ early 17th century AD (length: 40.5mm; width: 17.5mm; thickness: 4.5mm; weight: 9.8g).This 'S' shaped buckle is sub-oval in section and has tapering terminals/ heads at either end, which are in the form of a probable zoomorphic bird. The facial features on these terminals are still partially visible, specifically the eyes. In the centre between these terminals, there is a worn but elaborate moulded foliage decoration to either side of a central double collar. There is no other decoration on this artefact. Overall, the artefact is in a worn but fair condition with a dark brown patina.Similar examples are illustrated in Gordon Bailey's 'Detector Finds 3', 1997, pages 20-1. Bailey states that the 'snake form belt hooks' became popular during the 16th century, where an example can be seen in the portrait of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, c. 1575. The fastener was part of a sword belt, and was used in place of the normal buckle. It is likely that these strap fittings would have been tinned or gilded. The snake belt hook would seem to have fallen from fashion by the 17th century, and remained so until the end of the 18th century, when it was favoured by the military (Bailey, page 20).
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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BUCKLE
Cast copper alloy snake belt…
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