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Description: | A cast copper alloy (gun metal) seal matrix, which has been chip carved. The seal matrix is a flat, circular type. The face of the matrix is also flat and circular. The matrix has been badly damaged presumably by the plough and wear. Much of the edge of the face of the matrix has been removed due to damage and the lug on the reverse has been broken. It dates from the 14th - 15th century (circa 1400 ± 50 years). A similar seal matrix has been recorded from Sussex, PAS database record number: SUSS-B501D1. Both matrices were found on the same estate.The face depicts the Lamb of God. The lamb is walking to the right but its head is facing left (when seen in the impression). This matrix is a much cruder example than SUSS-B501D1; the carving of the lamb for example has not been as finely executed. The lamb carries a flag over its back. The flag resembles the flag of St. George, which is not really seen on SUSS- B501D1. The Lamb is surrounded by a circular engraved border, which has been formed from a number of pellet dashes. The legend has been written in Latin in the Lombardic lettering style. The legend reads: + ECCE AGNVS DEI ; which can be translated to mean 'Behold the Lamb of God'. In the Bible John the Baptist meets Jesus with the words, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." These words are said during Catholic Mass when the 'host' (Communion bread - representing the body of Jesus), is held aloft by the priest. This is a generic seal matrix legend as opposed to one that is specific to an individual. The legend is surrounded by a circular engraved border; it is therefore bordered both above and below. On the reverse of the face there is a small rounded pierced lug (now broken) located at the 9 o'clock position. The lug therefore bears no correspondence to the initial mark or the top of the matrix.The face of the seal matrix survives in a good condition despite the exterior wear and the metal is a mid greyish-brown colour.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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