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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy Anglo-Scandinavian probable harness fitting, dating to the 11th century (c.1000-1100 AD). The object consists of a rounded knop at one terminal, which is connected to an openwork design. This is formed by two symmetrical birds with elongated tails, connecting to the upper knop, each decorated with a grid, creating a feather like appearance. On either side of the object, extending from the back of each bird, there is a sub-rectangular plate with two circular perforations, the lower portion of this plate has broken off on one side of the object.Between the birds, there is a straight column which extends the entire length of the object, connecting to the upper knop, which divides the design into two almost symmetrical halves. On both sides of this column, there are three openings which separate the bird's tail, legs and beak. Beneath these openings, there is a further pair of sub-circular openings separated by the central column; creating an overall openwork sexfoil design.Below the openwork design, there is a solid section which extends horizontally across the object, terminating in a trapezoidal-shaped fans on both sides, which are decorated with a pair of grooved straight lines. Extending from the base of this section are four projections; it appears that there would have originally been five projections and these would have continued an openwork design of some kind, possibly forming a rounded terminal. The object has the same design on both the front and back.It measures 43.4 mm in length, 29.9 mm wide, 8.6 mm thick and weighs 29.6 g.The precise function of this object is uncertain; David Williams FLO for Surrey and East Berkshire comments on its definite Anglo-Scandinavian affinity and 11th century dating, which has been agreed upon by Dr Kevin Leahy, the National Adviser for Early Medieval Metalwork. However, the function of the object has been subject to debate, with other suggestions including a strap end, pendant and the top plate from a stirrup; as no close parallels have been found, the object has been recorded as a harness fitting as this is consistant with the style and possible function.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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