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Description: | A Medieval copper-alloy swivel.The piece consists of two linked elements. At the top is a D-shaped frame, flattened-oval in section, its base terminating in two inward-facing zoomorphic heads, which flank a vertical aperture. The second element, a pendent loop, is contained within this hole, the loose fit allowing it to rotate freely. The zoomorphic heads on the frame are stylistically portrayed, with a pair of small, rounded ears projecting upwards at the top. Beneath this is the steep-sided brow with rounded front, into which have been incised two short grooves, representing the eyes. The beak-like upper jaw projects downwards. At the back, on either side of the head, a groove, which angles up towards the ear, represents the animal's mouth. The circular-sectioned spigot of the loop is surmounted by a domed head with a pattern of angled grooves around its circumference. At its base the spigot widens into a sub-oval loop, the end of which is located less than 1mm from the spigot's underside. The bottom side of this loop displays evidence of wear.Dimensions: 35mm long, 26mm wide, 9.1mm thick. Weight: 10.92g.This relatively common form of swivel is well represented on the PAS database, close parallels being YORYM-2298E3 (Saxton With Scarthingwell, North Yorks) and SUR-D16136 (White Waltham, Berks). Despite the Romanesque appearance of the zoomorphic heads, Helen Geake (2001: 72) believes that swivels of this form were probably in use throughout most of the Medieval period.
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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