|
Date: |
|
Description: | A fragment of an Early Medieval cast copper alloy harness fitting, c. 11th-mid-12th century AD. The remains of the harness fitting consist of a circular ring with bevelled inner edges, connected to a small remaining portion of the arm, which is decorated with a moulded zoomorphic head; an old break truncates this fragment at the base of the animal head. The central void of the terminal ring is asymmetrical but generally circular. The detail of the zoomorphic head consists of a rounded, short snout, an pointed oval eye on either side and a high forehead, followed by a transverse incised line. The base of the head near the break has a small cylindrical hole, perhaps to hold a rivet or for decorative purposes. The fragment measures 31.2 mm long, 18.2 mm diameter (at ring), 10.6 mm thick (maximum at zoomorphic head) and weighs 13 grams.According to Williams; Anglo Scandinavian Horse Harness fittings (2007) p1; these terminals are Anglo Scandinavian in origin and derive from the Viking Ringerike style. They were used as horse accoutrements to join leather straps such as on cheek pieces, bits and harness links of the period. Oval terminals without knops are found on one side of bit links of this period, whereas the other side often had a circular terminal, as in this example. Williams suggests an 11th century date but indicates they may have had a longer life in England.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|