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Description: | An Early-Medieval copper-alloy strap-end.The artefact is sub-rectangular in plan, the slightly convex long sides gradually converging towards the base. At the top is the split attachment, with a central gap, into which the now-missing strap would have slotted and been held in place by the two (surviving) rivets. The horizontal upper side of the damaged attachment appears to have a 'V-shaped' cut-out at its centre, while the upper surface bears an incised pelta. The rectangular panel which occupies much of the upper surface of the strap-end is decorated with an incised pattern which includes a pair of Trewhiddle style animals. These beasts are of equal form and lie back-to-back, their bodies parallel to the longer sides of the panel. The head is sub-triangular, with a projecting, pointed ear and nose, and a single pellet eye. The sinuous body takes the form of a shallow curve, beneath which is located one of the hind legs, the lower part of which runs parallel to the edge of the panel and terminates in a two-toed foot. A groove separates the other hind leg from the body, while a triangular area, located at the back of the head and divided in two by a chevron-shaped groove, represents the forequarters. The grooves making up this pattern retain much of their original niello infill. The basal terminal is of typical design, taking the form of a forward-facing animal head. The incised ears are located at the top of this head, separated from the brow by a transverse groove. On either side of the head, an inward-pointing 'V-shaped' groove creates the impression of an eye. The eyes are divided by a third 'V-shaped' groove which extends upwards from the damaged base. In addition to the described decoration, a pair of grooved and toothed borders decorates the edges of strap-end, ending at the top of the zoomorphic terminal. The object measures 45.3mm long, 8.6mm wide, 3.8mm thick (attachment end) and weighs 4.25g.This is a typical example of a Thomas Class A strap-end (2003: 2-4). The use of Trewhiddle decoration indicates that it dates from around the 9th century.
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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