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Description: | A fragment of a cast copper-alloy Early Medieval harness fitting of Anglo-Scandinavian attribution, dating to c. AD 1000-1150. The fitting comprises a lozengiform terminal with central circular void and a rectangular arm projecting from one angle that ends in an old break. The three unattached angles each have a small knop, as in other harness fittings of this period. On the front surface of the terminal the upper edges are curved whilst the reverse side is flat and the aperture is bevelled on its underside. It measures 31.2mm long, 23.1mm wide and 4.6mm thick. The oval aperture measures 9.4mm long and 11.2mm wide and the rectangular section measures 9.8mm long, 7.3mm wide and 5.6mm thick. The fragment weighs 8.21 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. Williams suggests an 11th century date but indicates they may have had a longer life in England. Cf. Williams (Ibid), p. 3 and PAS records: NMS-C01A12 and Public-54FA31.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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