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Description: | A copper alloy swivel fitting from a strap which dates from the medieval period. The fitting comprises a single D shaped decorated loop with a projection acting as an axel, and a broken element with a loop which pivots round the axel. The swivel strap fitting is 33.7mm long, 23.3mm wide and 9.2mm thick.The primary decorated loop is D shaped in plan and irregular (broadly D shaped) in cross section. It is cast in one piece. The straight edge of the loop is offset. The two edges of the loop expand toward the swivel junction. Here they form two (one either side) decorative terminals, derived from zoomorphic designs. Between the terminals is the projection from the outside of the loop, opposite the bar. This is circular in section and has a domed end. In the middle is a recessed band which acts as the axel, and in which the loop on the other half of the swivel rests.The other half of the swivel is broken. All that survives is the circular loop which fits round the projection and part of two side pieces, one on each side. The loop is decorated with transverse incised lines. On the two sides, a lobe projects from the loop. This extends towards the D shaped loop and forms a pointed terminal. A bar which is sub-triangular in section also projects from each of the lobes away from the D shaped loop. The far ends of these are broken, one very close to the lobe, and one beyond the end of the projection from the D shaped loop. The breaks are not recent, but nor are they as patinated as the rest of the object. The swivel strap distributor is dark green with a polished patina in most areas. A number of similar swivel strap distributors have been recorded by the PAS, for example HESH-BACB38. They are dated broadly to the medieval period and it has been noted that the style of the terminals are very similar to Romanesque designs (1050-1250). It has, however, been suggested that as a style this form of strap swivel may continue to a later medieval date (Geake; PAS Finds Recording Guide page 71). Several similar decorated swivels can be seen in Brian Read's Metal Artefacts from Antiquity (pages 59 and 62, reference 483-484). A similarly zoomorphic decorated tap can be seen in Egan Medieval Household p242 (Fig189 no: 745), which is dated to ceramic phase 11; 1350-1400. A broad date of 1050 - 1400 is thus suggested. Due to the form of zoomorphic decoration and their size, a number of these swivels are thought to be associated with dog leashes.
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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LEASH
An incomplete cast copper alloy…
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