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Description: | Medieval copper alloy seal matrix probably of 14th or 15th century dateThe matrix is near-complete, missing the top of the loop (with a surviving length of 17.4mm and a weight of 6.8g). The damaged loop was circular (with an internal diameter of 2.4mm) before a ribbed moulding, which is now worn. The handle is hexagonally faceted, with concave sides expanding to the circular seal die (18.3mm diameter). The central device depicts an upright beast, probably a monkey facing left with an upright and curled tail, possibly with a human head. The encircling legend reads:*IWASAMAN. I was a manThe nature of the legend is unusual and is difficult to interpret but may refer to the medieval view of apes and monkeys as aberrant humans. The surface has a green-brown patina.
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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