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Description: | This copper alloy decorative mount is cast in one piece in the shape of a birds head, possibly a swan. The head is subrectangular in plan and profile, subcircular in section with a portion of the neck surviving, which has the same plan and section. It is 48mm long, 14mm wide and 12mm thick, weighing 31.69 grammes. The head has a protruding brow that lies over the eyes, similar to a swan, which are incised lines in a subcircular shape. The neck appears to bend upwards and away from the head, typical of when a swan is in flight. The beak of the bird is open with a protruding tongue. The break at the neck appears to have occured in antiquity. A small hole to the underside of the head may be more recent and also indicates that the object is hollow. The mount has an even, dark green patina.
Though no direct parallel can be found for this object, it is similar to other animal head mounts made in the 12th century that were fitted to a variety of objects such as candlesticks and strap holders. It is impossible to say what type of object this mount was attached to, but it seems reasonable to suggest that it generally belongs to this 12th century fashion of decoration. For general examples see Zarneki et al, 1984, English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, page 251. | Format: | text/html | License: | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Publisher: | The Portable Antiquities Scheme | Rights holder: | The Portable Antiquities Scheme | Subjects: | archaeology | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Caroline McDonald | Identifier: | http://www.finds.org.uk/database/artefac... | Language: | en-GB | Format: | text/html | Go to resource |
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