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Description: | A cast copper-alloy vesica seal matrix dating to the medieval period. The seal is pointed oval in plan (vesica-shaped) and has an integrally cast suspension loop on the reverse. The face of the seal depicts a bird in a nest in a tree, plucking blood from her breast to feed her chicks. This is most likely a representation of the 'pelican of piety', and is a religious depiction symbolising Christ's sacrifice. The inscription surrounding reads: 'FRANGE LEGE TEGE', Latin for 'break, read, conceal'. Harvey and McGuinness (1996:88) suggests matrices with impersonal legends came in to use around 1300 and, based on examples in the British Museum collections, 'frange, lege, tege', refers to the role of the seal keeping letters private.
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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