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Description: | A copper-alloy personal seal matrix, dating from the Medieval period.The engraved central device bears the letters 'IhC'. Immediately above these letters is an upward curve surmounted by a central cross, flanking which are at least three projecting lines with forked distal ends. When printed, the surrounding legend extends clockwise, starting at 7 o'clock, and reading '*EST AMOR ME'. The hexagonal-sectioned handle projects upwards from behind the printing face, tapering towards the top, before flaring into a grooved and ridged collar. A trilobate handle is located at the apex, a piece of iron wire contained within its central perforation.Height: 25.2mm; diameter of printing face: 20.5mm; weight: 9.7g.Parallels for this seal matrix include PAS records BH-B0DBB5, DUR-F9E502 and SUSS-A75D87. The central device and outer inscription combine to form the legend 'IhC EST AMOR ME', which translates as 'Jesus loves me/Jesus is my friend'. It has been suggested that the symbol above the central lettering may represent crosses on the Hill of Calvary, Jerusalem*; however, the recorder of this piece believes the device to be a crown of thorns. Smaller seal matrices bearing religious mottos are generally considered to date from around the 14th century (Harvey and McGuinness 1996: 88).
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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