|
Date: |
|
Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy knife or dagger chape of Medieval date. Part of one half of the openwork chape survives, however the lower portions of this half, the integtral projecting shaft for attachment and the corresponding other half of the chape are all missing due to old breaks. It is approximately square in plan with a flat back and moulded convex front face. The surviving fragment preserves the key elements of the moulded and openwork decorative motif. This depicts at its centre what appears to be a stylised figure carrying a shield on horseback and facing left. The head of the figure is sub-oval in shape with a prominent central circular eye and a seemingly stepped hat or helmet. Beneath the eye are transverse bands, perhaps representing the collar, arms or clothing of the individual, below which is a pointed oval shaped shield with central vertical groove and incised border. Extending backwards from the shield is the hind quarters of the horse, which curves downwards to the rear legs and is highlighted by a central transverse groove and small circular perforation. The remains of the front of the horse can be seen extending forwards from the shield, with one front leg and possible hoof delineated by short vertical and transverse grooves. Directly below the shield are three vertical grooves that may represent the lower half of the rider. Above the hind quarters of the horse the plate has the remains of three oval shaped perforations and the beginnings of the integral shaft that would have enabled attachment to the knife or dagger sheath, however this is mostly missing due to old breaks, as is the area surrounding the front of the horse and the base of the mount. The back face of the plate is flat and undecorated. The surviving fragment measures 28.38mm in height, 27.77mm in width, 2.95mm in thickness, and weighs 7.16g. This is a fragment from a knife or dagger chape of Medieval date. The object has been examined by Peter Woods of the Chapes Research Project who suggests it is of post-Norman conquest or 11th-12th century AD date, and belongs to his Type 5 chapes (information and drawings provided to finder by P. Woods). Examples of a similar date and style have also been recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme, notably from Hertfordshire (BH-96B701) and Norfolk (NMS-6FC5F7) that have similar openwork depictions of horse and rider.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
-
-
SCABBARD
An incomplete copper alloy Medieval…
-
-
-
COMB
LS Ae incomplete comb, just…
-
BROOCH
Fragment of Roman T-shape brooch,…
-
SCABBARD
An incomplete cast copper-alloy sword…
-
-
BROOCH
Very battered fragment of early…
|