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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy seal matrix of Medieval date. It is flat, pointed oval in shape and is missing the pierced lug or rib on the reverse, which appears to have been cast separately and attached to the back of the matrix. At the centre of the die is a decorative scene that depicts a stag or hart being hunted. A hound can be seen chasing the stag and there is a large arrow apparently piercing the Stag's neck from behind. In front of the stag is a possible crouched or seated figure. the entire scene is contained within a pointed oval shaped border. The decorative motif is perhaps a reference to an individual like St. Hubert, who was patron saint of archers, dogs, hunting and huntsmen, and who was himself supposed to have been a hunter before being told by a magnificent stag or hart to turn to God. The shape of the seal, too, may indicate a possible link with the clergy since seals of pointed oval shape were mostly used for women and priests. Around the outside of the decorative scene is an inscription that reads + SIGILLVM IOHANIS DECAM: (the seal of John Decam?). With the central motif positioned the correct way up, the inscription reads from the top of the pointed oval, which is oriented to the right (3 o'clock). No obvious parallel for the surname has been identified, but it is possible that the name is legated (hence the colon stop) or that John had links with the clergy given the shape of the seal and the depicted scene. The reverse face of the seal is flat and there is a sub-rectangular mark where the now missing pierced lug or rib would once have been attached. The seal measures 32.25mm in length, 23.17mm in width, 2.65mm in thickness, and weighs 8.33g. Seals of this shape, and with a personal name, were utilised during the 13th and 14th centuries AD. The shape of the seal and decorative motif might indicate the individual named was possibly either a member of the clergy or linked to the church in some way. See McGuinness and McGuinness (1996: pp. 79-93) for discussion of personal seals during this period.
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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