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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy Early-Medieval / Anglo-Scandinavian zoomorphic stirrup terminal of probable 11th Century date (950-1150 AD). The terminal is incomplete being worn and broken along one edge. In plan the terminal is broadly sub-rectangular; it has a hollow reverse face which would have enclosed the iron arm of the stirrup: in cross section it is an irregular U-shape. The stirrup terminal measures 31.2mm length 12.2mm width and is 8.4mm thick. The depth of the concave face on the reverse is 5.4mm; however, the edges are heavily abraded and may have originally been thicker. The stirrup terminal weighs 10.29 grams. The front face of the stirrup terminal has a moulded zoomorphic decoration. This consists of a small rounded snub-like snout at the foot of the terminal. This nose is solid and the concave ridge begins behind this. Above the snout is a cast raised forehead behind which two long ears are depicted by cast ovals. These lay against the surface. To either side (on the edge of the terminal) two oval eyes are depicted. It is possible that the remains of some form of harness or muzzle are depicted with punched annulets as a band of these runs along the nose and between the ears of the beast. Behind the head / ears the terminal tapers. The only other decoration present is a series of circumferential transverse bands positioned near the terminal of the mount. These bands are deeply cast. It is possible that similar cast decoration is near the rear edge on the sides, although this is partially distorted by abrasion and corrosion. There is no evidence of decoration or other material on the hollow back face.The stirrup terminal is a mid green colour with a well preserved polished patina which is abraded in places. Where abrasion has occurred a light grey green coloured corrosion product is present. Similar stirrup terminals are discussed by David Williams in Finds Research Datasheet 24. He suggests that this form of terminal is of Early-Medieval date and of Anglo-Scandinavian manufacture with influences from the Ringerike and Urnes styles. It is most likely to date from the 11th century AD, however a wider date range is given here as this is the first stirrup terminal to be recorded from Herefordshire. A similar stirrup terminal has been recorded by the PAS from Covehithe, Suffolk - see PAS record SF-FDAFF3
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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