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Description: | An incomplete and corroded Medieval copper-alloy pointed-oval (vesica-shaped) personal seal matrix (c. 1200-c. 1300).Viewing an impression, the die has an outer and inner beaded border containing a largely illegible inscription which has a plain cross initial mark at the top. The inscription reads from right to left:S' RICA[ ] (probably seal of Richard).The central inscribed motif depicts a male bust right. It has grooves representing hair and a prominent eye and eye brow. The nose and mouth are lost due to corrosion. There is an unclear feature above the head.The rear face has a central vertical mid-rib which terminates with a suspension loop at the top. Either side of the rib are numerous vertical striations.Part of the lower edge is missing and it has some corrosion. The majority of the surface has a dark green patina.Height: 30.1mm; width: 18.3mm; thickness including suspension loop: 7.1mm. Weight: 6.34g.Harvey and McGuinness (1996, p. 88) suggest that the pointed oval shaped seals such as this were popular during the 13th century when they were particularly preferred by women and that from the 13th century onwards wit, sentimentality and popular devotion appear regularly on personal seal matrices.Harvey, P. D. A. and McGuinness, A. 1996. A Guide to British Medieval Seals. London: The British Library and Public Record Office.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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