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Description: | Complete cast copper alloy 'vesica' shaped double sided / faced seal matrix of medieval date (1200-1400). The seal matrix is sub-oval (oval with pointed ends) in plan and broadly sub-rectangular in cross section. The edges of the upper face are faceted. On the upper edge of the seal, in alignment with the two pointed ends, is a small sub-rectangular (rectangular with rounded corners) perforated loop. This loop is set at an angle of 90° to the plain of the body of the seal and is complete showing evidence of wear on the upper and front sides of the inner edge. The internal diameter of the loop is 3.1mm. The seal bares an inscription and incised design on both faces. This design has also been gilt.The seal matrix measures 33.4mm in length, 19.9mm width and is 5.2mm (maximum across loop) thick, and 3.5mm thick across the body of the seal. The matrix weighs 9.76 grams. The front face of the matrix has a central design cut within a slight vesica shaped continuous border which separates it from the inscription. A similar border delineates the edge of the matrix. Within the central border is a centrally positioned deeply incised design of a male monk's tonsured head. The design is well executed and very detailed. The bald dome of the head is shown beneath which a broad circlet of hair is depicted. The face is broadly oval with a deeply cut nose and almond eyes. The mouth is slight but the upper and lower lips are detailed and the face is clean shaven. Beneath the chin a sight design possibly a jewelled clasp or four petaled flower beneath which is an incised V possibly indicating the shape of the neck. The design is very well produced showing very high craftsmanship, the depth of the design is extraordinarily being cut 1.9mm into the surface of the seal. The central design of the matrix is gilt with a thick gold leaf, this seems to have been only applied to the central design, and has been partially removed by wear from the deepest groove. The gilt surface does not extend to the inscription and it is difficult to understand why it hasn't survived on this face if it was originally applied. The inscription on this face is heavily cut, well and evenly spaced and very small, again showing considerable skill and craftsmanship. It reads anti-clockwise (clockwise in the impression) + S': ROGERI : FILII : hEWE : DE EWYAS : This can be translated as The seal of Roger son of Huw de Ewyas. In the inscription the initial cross is formed from a vertical cross with splayed terminals. The following letters are cut thus: the S is a composite S being cut from two opposing crescents, the R has a wedged tail, the O has angled sides, the G has a larger upper projecting cross bar, the E is closed with a curved back and central bar, the I with a central bar, the F with a triangular shaped central bar, the h is lower case, the W formed from slanted vertical cuts, the D is curved with a large vertical bar, the Y is also slanted with diagonal stokes, and the A is unbarred.The reverse face has a much shallower and more ornate design which seems to have been applied either by a different craftsman or to a different design and there are clear differences in style. On this face is a very well cut and beautifully crafted spread eagle, the head turned up and to the left, so that the beak is vertical. The body is deeply cut and well shaped, the wings spread either side and well proportioned the tail extending from the body with two, three toed, clawed feet either side. The feathers of the tail are spread. The long wing feathers are shown slightly stylised but individual feather can clearly be seen. The body of the bird is covered with V shaped notches replicating the down on the breast. The design is enclosed within an oval border of pellets (forming a rope like impression) which is replicated on the outer edge of the matrix. The entire design and inscription in this case is gilt, unlike just the central design of the other face. The inscription is very different on this face in that it is much larger and more open in style. It is again cut anti-clockwise and reads + SECRETI CLAVIS I MIChI FIEGAVIS which can be translated as 'Have faith in me I conceal secrets'. The initial mark in the inscription is a similar cross - this time formed from four triangular wedges conjoined at their apex with single pellets in each divided quarter. The letters are also cut in a different style, the S is more serpentine and continuous, The E is larger but still closed with a rounded back and central bar, the C is closed with a rounded back, The R is formed with an ornate wedge shaped tail, the I is waisted without a central bar, The A is wide with a top bar but no cross bar and the M is almost lombardic with curved top. It should also be noted that the faceted edge of the seal and the loop are also gilt. The seal is a dark mid green with an even polished patina that covers most surfaces. There is no evidence of abrasion or corrosion. The gilt surface has been rubbed in places, especially the edges, and there is some evidence of scuffing of patina - although this is slight. A direct parallel has not been found for this matrix, but a number of double sided gilt seal matrices are known. These all are made for the wealthy in medieval society and represent the pinnacle of the seal cutters skills. Vesica seal matrices are usually dated to the 13th and early 14th centuries. The style of the lettering is comparable with that on the coinage of the same period, although the lombardic M would indicate a later date possibly early 14th century. A search of medieval papers at the Hereford Archives Service has been undertaken and no direct documents have been found associated with a Roger or Huw de Ewyas, however the search is on-going. The findspot lies within the sphere of influence of the diocese of St David's and so documents may be present in the Welsh National Archives in Aberystwyth, a request has been lodged with them for further information. The family Roger son of Huw de Ewyas has not been found, although this may well be bound up with the de Lacy family who were marcher lords of Ewyas, Weobley and Ludlow before their fall during the revolt of Mortimers (earls of the March). There is a Hugh II de Lacy (died 1186) but this seems to be somewhat remote and early to link. There are records of a Sybil de Ewyas 1186-1236 daughter of Robert de Ewyas marrying Roger de Clifford (of Tenbury Worcs.) in 1230. But this isn't especially helpful in finding Huw or Roger de Ewyas, however it might indicate the presence of a family name of Roger. A religious connection can be found between the de Ewyas family and the Cistercian abbey at Dore (Abbey Dore, Heref), which was founded 1147 by a gift from the de Ewyas family and may also have links with the nearby abbey of Llanthony Priory (Gwent) in the Vale of Ewyas, another Cistercian house founded this time by Hugh de Lacy. Llanthony Priory was dedicated to John the Baptist and there is an outside chance that the head of the monk on the seal is actually that of John, and the V shaped collar beneath the head could indicate the platter on which John's head was brought to Salome. This si a relatively common device seen on seal matrices of the period.It is hoped eventually to find the original owner of the seal in the records but at present this is allusive. The importance of this seal though is without question; it is linked to one of the most important and influential families (closely associated with the Marcher Lords) in Herefordshire and is also an important and beautiful artefact in its own right.
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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