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Date: |
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Description: | A copper-alloy eye clasp of post-Medieval date.The object consists of a sub-oval plate with a rectangular loop at one end. At the points where the loop adjoins the plate is a pair of perforated lugs, one of which has wear on its inner edge; a third such lug extends horizontally from the opposite end of the clasp, separated from the plate by a rectangular collar with ropework moulding and a lobe at each end. The plate's surface bears relief-moulded decoration. Due to corrosion and adhering soil, the central element is of uncertain nature. It would appear, however, to depict a forward facing zoomorphic/anthropomorphic mask with heavily stylised features including large, drooping cheeks and a pair of horns. There is a suggestion that this design may be reversable, as rotating the clasp 180 degrees also produces the effect of a face, the previously described horns becoming a moustache which extends into a broad swirl, the cheeks becoming ears. A plain oval ridge border surrounds the central design, outside this is a ropework border, and around the perimeter is a further plain ridge. On each side of the plate, located midway along, are two rounded lobes containing decorative swirls. The reverse of the artefact is flat and plain.The object measures 38.9mm long, 21.4mm wide and 2.7mm thick. The weight is 6.73g.Read (2008: 164-186) illustrates numerous examples of eye clasps, which would have been paired with blunt-hooked plates. This particular piece is categorised as an example of a Class A, Type 8 clasp. A close stylistic parallel is no. 663 (p. 175), although its decorative content is less obviously a depiction of a mask; no. 668 (176), however, does show a face, as do several clasps from other classes.
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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