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Description: | The object is a personal Medieval seal matrix. The matrix is a pyramid type, made from cast copper alloy and then it has been engraved. In plan the matrix is circular.
The reverse of the matrix has a central integral hexagonal sectioned stem which tapers to an incomplete loop. The loop is above a collar, and has not been broken recently. The outer surface of the loop has been slightly abraded.
The underside of the matrix has a legend and central device. The legend reads ?* S? ISABELLA IANE PA/OLANDE? or ?* S? ISABELL AIANE PA/OLANDE? partially translated as ?Seal of Isabella??. in the corner of the second 'L' there is a pellet. It is unclear wether this is intentional or not. The device depicts a woman standing, wearing a long dress and head wear holding aloft a wreath of three flowers in one hand. The other hand is outstretched to a kneeling figure who has his hands together as if in prayer. Behind the kneeling figure is a flower in a long stem, and between the figures there is another flower and another unidentified object or anima. The matrix measures 23.34mm diameter, and 16.03mm thick. It weighs 11.45g. The surface of the matrix has an incomplete dark green patina.
Harvey and McGuinness (1996 A Guide to British Medieval Seals British Library and Public Record Office) suggest that small circular based seal matrices in use in the 13th century, but the more intricate the design, occurred in the later 13th to 14th centuries. | 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 | Temporal: | 1250
1400 | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Angie Bolton | Identifier: | http://www.finds.org.uk/database/artefac... | Language: | en-GB | Format: | text/html | Go to resource |
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