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Description: | A nearly complete cast copper alloy composite strap end, dating to the Medieval period. This object consists of two sub-rectangular sheets, with a wider rectangular-sectioned base and a semi-circular end knop. The two sheets were usually supported by a sheet spacer which would have occupied the whole width of the strap end in between the upper and lower sheets. The sheet spacer seems to be almost completely missing, save for a small fragment visible at the end knop and some decorative features in the central panel. All three elements were held together by four circular rivets: two placed in the centre of each end and two placed off-centre underneath the openwork decoration on the upper surface, presumably to prevent the thinner surface from breaking.The decorative elements of the object are elaborate, including an open work panel and incised decoration. The main decorative focus of the strap end is two central open work niches, which mimic the shape of the strap end itself (i.e. sub-rectangular plan with upper semi-circular arch). They are flanked at the outside by columns and are separated by a thin copper alloy 'pillar', creating niches or windows. The remains of a copper alloy winding stem can be observed in both open niches beginning from the base, with the right stem nearly complete. It is likely that the stems would have supported an acorn near the top of each arch (cf. Egan and Pritchard 1991, Fig. 97, No. 705). Upon further inspection, these elements seem to be part of the central spacer mentioned above and are supported by the overall openwork panel of the top sheet. Above the central decorations, double incised lines create a square border around two incised chevrons, one within the other. This gives the effect of a 'roof' over the open work niches. The remaining space is filled with linear incised design. Underneath the central panel a set of double incised lines are visible running horizontally above and below a band of three saltires in a grid.The strap end measures a total of 47.38 mm long, 16.54 mm wide (base), 12.34 mm wide (upper strap end), 5.50 mm x 6.45 mm (end knop), and is 3.09-1.71 mm (max-min) thick; the central panel measures 14.37 mm long, 10.40 mm approx. width. The strap end weighs 5.67 grams.Two close parallels are listed in Egan and Pritchard 1991, Fig. 97, Nos. 704, 505. Both of these examples are dated to c. 1350-1450 AD based upon context and ceramic remains.
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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