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Description: | An incomplete cast copper-alloy mount or strap fitting of probable early Medieval date. It has a sub-circular plate that is dome-shaped in form with concave back face and slightly flattened edges that give it an almost lozenge shaped appearance. At each corner of the lozenge is an integrally cast semi-circular lug with central circular rivet hole, one of which is now incomplete due to old breaks. The front face of the plate has moulded and gilded decoration. This comprises a raised border around the edge of the plate, within which is a central, projecting zoomorphic motif depicting a winged lion right. The lion's head is at top centre, facing forwards, with projecting oval ears, large circular eyes and closed mouth with whiskers(?). Each side of the head extend the curving wings, both of which have multiple grooves that delineate feathers and run to the forparts of the body. The body itself is oval in form, the creature depicted seated with hind legs folded beneath the body, forelegs possibly raised, and curving tail projecting between hing quarters and one wing. Traces of gilding are evident on the front face and suggest that it was originally entirely gilded. The back face is undecorated and concave with a slight lip or rim around the outer edges. The entire object measures 33.42mm in length, 30.22mm in width (incomplete), 6.21mm in thickness/height, and 5.91g in weight. This is a decorative object, probably a mount or similar. The central motif on the front face, depicting a winged lion, perhaps alludes to the Lion of St. Mark, either as a heraldic device depicting St. Mark or alternatively in his role as patron saint of Venice, the 'Lion of Venice' being symbolic of the city (cf. LVPL-F667A7 and LANCUM-F95DC6 for mounts depicting similar winged lions). In either case the current object in terms of its form and decorative elements is likely to date to the Medieval period, perhaps as early as the 12th century although a later date range cannot be ruled out entirely.
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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