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Description: | A complete cast copper alloy harness pendant in the form of a bird with outstretched wings. Medieval (c. AD 1150 - c. AD 1400). Length 25.9mm, width 16.9mm and 3,0mm thick. Weight 3.08g.The pendant is convex at the front and flat at the rear. It has an integral suspension loop which is turned through 90° to the plane of the pendant. It is symmetrical in plan except for the bird's head, just below the suspension loop, which is facing dexter. The bird is probably a representation of an eagle or bird of prey. In heraldic terms the pose (in flight) is said to be "displayed". The wedge-shaped tail extends below the lower part of the wings.The pendant is corroded and in poor condition. Small areas of a light green patina have survived although most of the surfaces are covered with superficial copper alloy corrosion products. There is also a small amount of iron staining in the vicinity of the suspension loop, indicating that the missing bar was made of iron.Similar harness pendants in the form of eagles displayed have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. See finds: WILT-D808F2, WILT-E49C45 and HAMP2260Ashley (2002, 26) has suggested that eagle pendants may have had some association other than with horse furniture, for example, with livery collars.
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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