|
Date: |
|
Description: | An incomplete cast copper-alloy 'amphora-shaped' strap end of late Roman date (300-450 AD). The strap end is broadly sub-triangular in plan and sub-rectangular in cross section. The edges of the strap end have slightly beveled / faceted edges. The strap end is incomplete in that the upper part of the strap fitting has been lost. It is possible that originally this was iron as an orange corrosion product is present on many of the surfaces (although this may be a result of the burial conditions. The upper part of the strap end has two pierced sub-oval (kidney) shaped holes which are irregular in plan; these form the neck and handles of the amphora. The body of the strap end swells and then tapers to a broken edge. Here originally there would have been a pointed terminal which has been lost. The break at this point is relatively fresh suggesting recent damage in the ploughsoil.The body of one face of the amphora is decorated. This has been achieved by using a series of punches to form 'ring and dot' decoration. The overall design consists of eight ring and dots which have been arranged in a vertical cross. The reverse of the strap end is undecorated but it is possible that the entire strap fitting was originally silver washed or tinned as small amounts of decayed white metal are present on both faces of the artefact. The strap end is a mid green colour with patches of applied grey surface. The patina is relatively complete but has been lost in places due to a combination of abrasion and corrosion. There are small areas of active green corrosion present. The strap end measures 51.7mm length, 22mm width, is a maximum of 3.7mm thick and weighs 13.22 gramsSimilar examples to this strap end can be seen in the study by Bishop and Coulston (1993, 175, fig 126, no 7), these types are associated with fourth century Dominate belt-furniture. Although not common in Britain (from stratified contexts), examples are known such as one from the Winchester Lankhills cemetery, for instance. They belong to the type of belt with 'propeller' stiffeners similar to a complete set from Zengovarkarhony. They seem to have been worn with the tongue of the buckle facing the wearer's right hip, which meant the strap terminal ended up dangling on the left hip, after being wrapped around the belt a few times. A close parallel for this strap end has been recorded on the PAS database by Faye Minter from Melton, Suffolk (see record: SF-123771).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
-
-
STRAP END
Copper alloy military 'amphora' type…
-
-
STRAP END
Copper alloy military 'amphora' type…
-
STRAP END
Copper alloy military 'amphora' type…
-
-
strap end
Copper alloy military 'amphora' type…
-
STRAP END
Copper alloy military 'amphora' type…
-
STRAP END
Copper alloy military 'amphora' type…
|