BUCKLE

Cast copper alloy zoomorphic buckle of medieval date (1100-1350 AD). The buckle is broadly D shaped in plan and irregular in profile. It consists of a frame with an offset axis bar (oval in section) from which a stylised animal extends forming the loop. The animal is probably best described as a feline, probably lion, and is depicted on all fours with the head looking over one (right) shoulder. The internal shape of the frame is irregular, being broadly D shaped but following the contours of the belly of the animal; it measures 10.3mm x 6.4mm. The style of the decoration is a mixture of cast motifs and carved (chip carved?) details. The feet of the animal are ball shape and the legs are relatively narrow expanding into the body. Along the spine of the animal is a crest, which may be a depiction of a raised tail. In look it is similar to that seen on depictions of boars but this does not fit with the presumed animal. The neck extends from one end, and terminates in an oval knop. The knop is decorated with a series of carved lines, depicting ears and eyes, as well as an open mouth bearing teeth. At the centre of the face is a small circular hollow or cell (1.8mm diameter 2.4mm deep), and it is possible that this would have held a setting. The body of the lion is decorated with chip carved linear lines suggesting hair and mane; this has only been applied to the front face of the frame and the reverse is not decorated. The buckle frame measures 22. 4mm length, 18.6mm width, is 10.4mm thick and weighs 8.02 grams. The buckle is a mid grey green colour with a polished but abraded patina. Where abrasion has affected the metal a light grey coloured corrosion product is present, this has not affected the design too much, however the area around the head is particularly worn. A published parallel has not been found, however a number have been recorded on the PAS database BH-44C3D6, SOMDOR-861648, SWYOR-88C3C3, BH-44C3D6, LIN-E0AE65, LVPL-2338B5, and LIN-A38BC0. All are dated to the medieval period, however, the range of dates varies. From the overall design I would attribute this broadly to the later Romanesque style and probably dates from the 12th - early 14th Centuries AD