|
Date: |
|
Description: | Cast copper-alloy of probable Medieval date.
The object shows a zoomorphic head of a beast. There are three primary components, a rectangular stem or shank, which is integrally connected to the back of the beast's head, consisting of the head and snout, and a small cruciform terminal coming out of the snout/muzzle.
The end of the stem is broken, but the remains of a circular perforation are visible, the orientation of which suggests a suspension function of the object. The head is highly stylised, with decoration consisting of parallel lines; a soft ridge runs down the length of the centre of the head. At the back of the head two angled lines form triangular ridges (ears of the beast). From there, four carved lines run from either side of the central ridge, down the sides of the head. Two further angled lines form the 'eyes' where the head narrows into the 'snout'. This narrows further then flares and expands to a flat, semicircular end. It is from this surface that the cruciform-shaped terminal protrudes. The length of the head plus the protruding cruciform 'tongue' is 23mm.
It has been suggested that the object could be strap end, pendant or mount.
One parallel has been found in the Virtual Museum of the Strong Collection, Item # 293, incorrectly dated to the Viking period. | 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: | Rob Collins | Identifier: | http://www.finds.org.uk/database/artefac... | Language: | en-GB | Format: | text/html | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
Pendant
Cast copper-alloy of probable Medieval…
-
PENDANT
Cast copper-alloy of probable Medieval…
-
Stirrup
An Early Medieval zoomorphic stirrup…
-
STIRRUP
An Early Medieval zoomorphic stirrup…
-
Spur
Probable early Medieval spur neck…
-
SPUR
Probable early Medieval spur neck…
-
HOARD
Hoard of 23 coins, four…
-
MOUNT
Cast copper alloy and iron…
-
Mount
Cast copper alloy and iron…
-
MOUNT
Cast copper alloy and iron…
|