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Description: | Copper alloy circular seal matrix with a central motif and a legend around the outside. The central motif depicts the figure of St Margaret of Antioch bursting out of a Dragons stomach (the dragon is on the floor at the bottom of the matrix). The legend is fairly worn and difficult to decipher as the Margarets head and the ends of her staff interfere with the legend. The visible elements: *+_V__A M_EREGI are roughly correct for the usual legend ?Savncta Mergaret?.
The cult of St Margaret became popular in the 13th 14th century. She was converted to Christianity during her life (early 4th century) but was tortured and imprisoned for her beliefs. During her time in Jail, the Devil visited her in the form of a dragon and swallowed her; she made the sign of the cross and burst from his stomach unharmed. She became particularly popular with women as she assured the safe delievery for pregnant women.
The back of the matrix has a central rib and small loop at the top for attachment. The Matrix weighs 7.67g and measures 24.5mm in diameter and 7.1mm in thickness. | 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: | 1300
1500 | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Anna Marshall | Identifier: | http://www.finds.org.uk/database/artefac... | Language: | en-GB | Format: | text/html | Go to resource |
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