|
Date: |
|
Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy strap end of Early Medieval date. The strap end is of Thomas' Class A, Type 1 with zoomorphic terminal and Trewhiddle decoration. The strap end is a pointed oval in shape with a zoomorphic terminal at the closed end and a concaved split terminal with two rivet holes at the attachment end. The strap end is cast in one piece but the attachment end is split into an upper and lower plate to allow the strap material to be fitted. The lower plate of the attachment end has been lost to an old break.Between the rivet holes on the upper surface is an incised inverted fan shaped decoration. The zoomorphic terminal at the opposite end is in the form of a forward facing animal head with bulbous eyes and snout. The central panel bears a carved circular recess within which a serpentine beast is depicted. The areas to either side of the circular panel bear three incised triangular cells. The reverse is flat and undecorated.The metal has a mid brownish-green patina and survives in good condition. The strap end is 41.2mm long, 12.9mm wide, 2.5mm thick and weighs 5.2g.Late Anglo Saxon and Viking strap ends have been classified into several types by Thomas with this example fitting into Thomas' Class A, Type 1 dating broadly from the 8th to 9th centuries.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|