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Description: | Treasure Case 2011-T931: Specialist Report for HM CoronerPendant cross from the Condover Area - ShropshireDate: later Medieval - post medieval (1200-1600)Date of discovery: July 2009Circumstances of discovery: Found whilst metal detectingDescription:An incomplete fragment depicting the Crucifixion, most likely from the lower half of a silver pendant cross (crucifix). The fragment is broadly triangular in plan with deeply arched sides and chamfered edges. It is rectangular in cross section. The front is incised with the lower part of the cross of the crucifixion, and Christ's body, from his loincloth downwards. Below Christ's feet are S shaped incisions, possibly representing grains of wood. The edges of the fragment are bordered by incised lines which follow the shape of the pendant. The reverse is plain and undecorated. The cross is a matt grey colour with a well preserved surface patina.Dimensions:Length: 13.0mm, Width: 14.0mm, Thickness 1.2mm, Weight 0.77 grams.Discussion and Dating:The form of the cross is difficult to ascertain, in shape it is possibly either a traditional or possibly a Tau (T shaped) cross. Tau crosses, bearing the Crucifixion, can be found on pilgrim badges relating to Saint Anthony, as the Tau was the badge of the Order of Hospitallers of Saint Anthony (see for example two pilgrim badges Spencer; 1998 catalogue numbers 197 and 198a). Pendants in the shape of Tau crosses, engraved with religious figures or scenes, can also be found from the late medieval period. One particularly fine example in gold is the Winteringham Tau Cross in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1900.283), which is engraved with the Trinity. Of the Tau cross pendants on the PAS database there is an unengraved gold example (SUR-315095) dated to 1470-1550, and silver-gilt pendant decorated with quatrefoils (SUR-7D27D6) dated to 1450-1550. The style of the incised decoration is also comparable to that seen on later medieval iconographic rings, for example 2011-T679 from Wing, Buckinghamshire (Tyrell 2011) dated to the later Medieval period (1200-1500).Metal Content:I believe that the precious metal content (silver) of the cross fragment fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act (1996) in that it is greater than 10%.References:Scarisbrick, D. and Henig, M. 2003 Finger Rings: from Ancient to modern Ashmolean Museum, OxfordSpencer B. 18998 Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges: Medieval Finds from Excavations in London. HMSO NorwichTyrrell, R (2011) BUC-FF5927 A MEDIEVAL FINGER RING Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/467759Author:Peter Reavill Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities SchemeNaomi Speakman, The British Museum
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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