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Date: |
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Description: | A cast, copper alloy artefact, purpose currently unknown, probably dating from the medieval period. It consists of a rectangular openwork frame within which is a three dimensional zoomorphic figure of an unidentified animal. It is very worn, so it is not clear if it is a whole animal with four legs splayed outwards, or if it is a crouched animal with four struts connecting it to the frame, or even if it is just the head of a beast. The zoomorphic moulding is significantly projecting and is hollow on the underside. One of the long sides of the rectangle extends outwards into a flat plate, the outer edge of which is decorated with a series of short, moulded transverse lines. Between the frame and the transverse lines is an area decorated with moulded interlace though the area is corroded and the pattern not clear. A short section of metal, now broken, extends from one end of the outer edge of this plate. There is evidence that metal has also broken away from the other end of this plate and the edge opposite the openwork area. There are two areas of damage on this second long side, with a slightly curved original edge between suggesting there may have been a round hole there. On the underside of the solid plate is a broad, rectangular channel, the purpose of which is as yet undetermined. There is no evidence of any method of fastening, such as a rivet. The artefact has a patchy, light green patina. It is 31.8mm long, 31.6mm wide and 8.6mm thick. It weighs 14.72gm. The style of the decoration would seem to suggest a date quite early in the Medieval period, perhaps in the 11th or 12th century. There are openwork buckle plates from this date which also have a raised zoomorphic design. SUSS-FB8914 is one example, and there are others on the database, but none quite like this. It could also be a furniture or casket mount. David Williams comments that a possible parallel for the spreadeagled animal is found on type 3 Stirrup Strap mounts, behind the human figure. However, he does not think this object is associated with stirrups.
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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