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Description: | An incomplete and damaged Medieval copper alloy seal matrix, probably dating to c. 14th-c. 15th century AD. The handle at the top of the seal is missing from an old break but for seals of this type they commonly took the form of a pierced trefoil and/or loop. From the broken handle the seal flares out in a six sided flute towards the matrix end. The matrix itself is sub-circular with several small segments missing from the periphery, one of which protrudes into the matrix design on the underside of the seal. The design in the centre consists of a crescent with four circles representing a nest with chicks and a pelican arching over its next. This is surrounded by an inscription that unfortunately cannot be resolved, particularly as the condition of the seal is poor and the pelican's body interrupts the legend. A similar seal example is shown in Harvey and McGuiness; A Guide to British Medieval Seals (1996) p91; Fig 85. which is dated to the 14th century. For another PAS database example, cf.: BH-CB1141.The central image on this seal would appear to be that of the 'pelican in its piety', which is a common device on anonymous seals of the late Medieval period (Harvey and McGuiness 1996: 91, Fig. 85). The pelican is depicted feeding its young with the blood from its own breast, which is a symbol of Christ's sacrifice. The poorly executed legend is also a common feature of this group of seals, and the meaning of this particular legend can only be guessed at.
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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