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Description: | Part of a copper alloy probable harness fitting which is likely to date from the tenth or eleventh century. It consists of two components which are linked with a hinge like fitting. The two elements are identical, apart from the tiny differences because they are finished by hand. Both elements have a further hinge fitting at the other end, suggesting that they form part of a chain of links. The two links together are 52.2mm long, 8.8mm wide and 5.4mm thick. Each link is shaped like a stylised animal face. There is a loop at the top of each, which is at right angles to the rest of the fitting. Beneath this are two arched ears, then a forehead which is cross hatched in a lozenge pattern. This extends downwards in the centre into the nose. The eyes are raised oval in the dished area which represents the eye socket and cheek. The nose flares at the bottom and is triangular and flat. The area representing the mouth is actually the two loops that project to form the hinge. These are joined by a separate bar from which the next link hangs. The top loop of the top link is broken, and the bar is missing from the bottom of the lower link. There are traces of gilding on the front. The reverse is plain and flat. The metal has a light green patina with additional light green corrosion on the front. A similar linked fitting is HESH-274D25 on the database which is believed to be late medieval or post medieval. The function of these chains is not certain, but they may be links from bridle side pieces. Kevin Leahy suggests that the style of this example suggests an early medieval date.
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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CHAIN
A cast copper alloy chain…
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