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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy strap end of Early-Medieval date. The strap end is of Thomas' Class A, Type 1 with zoomorphic terminal and Trewhiddle style decoration. The strap end is a pointed oval in shape with a zoomorphic terminal at the closed end and an open split terminal with two rivet holes at the attachment end. The strap end is cast in one piece but the attachment end is split into an upper and lower plate to allow the strap material to be fitted. The terminal of the upper plate has been lost to old worn breaks. The zoomorphic terminal is in the form of a forward facing animal head with ovate eyes and a stub-nosed snout. The central panel bears an indistinct interlaced design, presumably a Trewhiddle style beast, and retains a patch of niello. A partial design featuring an incised cross within and ovate panel is present at the broken attachment end of the plate. The reverse is flat and undecorated.The metal has a mid-green patina and is worn. The strap end is 31.9mm long, 8.1mm wide, 2.4mm thick and weighs 1.9g.Late Anglo Saxon and Viking strap ends have been classified into several types by Thomas with this example fitting into Thomas' Class A, Type 1 dating broadly from the 8th to 9th centuries. Strap ends are a common Early-Medieval find though this type is thought to be particularly typical of the 9th century due to its representation within coin hoards as well as its stylistically diagnostic features.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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