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Description: | A copper-alloy hooked tag of Early Medieval date. The exact date range of this category of artefact is, at present, uncertain, although excavated evidence suggests they span the period of the 9th to 11th centuries AD (see, for example, M. Biddle; 1990; pp. 549-552). The plate is sub-triangular in plan with a convex curved top and rounded corners from which convex curved sides angle inwards towards the join with the hook. The hook is triangular and narrows to a point. It is starting to curve at the point which may be the complete hook which has been bent straight or formed from an old break. There are three sewing holes arranged in a triangle on the plate, two towards the top (away from the hook) and one in the middle. The plate is 10.2mm long, 8.9mm wide and 0.4mm thick; the hook is 6.9mm long, 3.2mm wide at the start and 0.9mm thick. The weight is 0.21g.MacGregor and Bolick (1993:190) state that these artefacts 'performed a range of functions in fastening clothing, headgear, or indeed bags and purses. A funerary role as shroud-hooks is also possible for some examples'.
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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