2013-05-19T03:53:47+01:00http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/419778/format/qrcodehttp://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/419778/format/jsonhttp://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/419778/format/xmlhttp://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/419778/format/geojsonhttp://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/419778419778SOM-F5A912PAS4CFF5A91001446STRAP ENDThomas class B type 656.611.75.71SCC 020761EARLY MEDIEVAL10001100Complete cast copper alloy animal-headed strap end of Thomas Class B, Type 6, dating to the 11th century AD. The zoomorphic terminal of this item is an angular head of an animal seen in profile when the strap end is looked at sideways on but tapering to a point seen in plan. The moulded head has: eyes delineated by oval incisions with a central indented pupil, a moulded upper lip which curls up at the end, a straight lower jaw, a prominent projecting nose at the top and from the rear of the nose a moulded 'mustache' which curves down across the upper lip, then loops back up to join it, the loop projecting slightly from the lower edge. At the back of the head is a raised collar running round the front and sides then two moulded rounded ears. Behind the head, the strap end is rectangular in section with rounded corners, as wide as the back part of the head but flatter, 6.5mm wide and 5.2mm thick behind the head. It then widens slightly and gradually to the terminal at the strap attachment end which is expanded into three lobes, a large central one and two side lobes. Two incised lines run down the length of the strap end the upper ends of which curve out to the junctions of the lobes, separating the central one from the outer two. Further incised lines cross below the lobes and indentations on the outer lobes emphasise their appearance of being curled outwards. There is an intact separate copper alloy rivet through the central lobe of the terminal. The back echoes the front in shape but is plain.The slot at the strap attachment end is filled with mud and corrosion and the ends are squeezed together.The artefact seems to have been covered with a green corrosion product which overlays dark red-brown metal.It measures 56.6 mm in total length, 11.7mm in width at the terminal, 12.4 mm in maximum thickness (at the animal head terminal) and weighs 14.91 g. A very close parallel to this item is illustrated by Thomas who classifies it as a Class B, Type 6 strap end. He suggests the distinctive form is diagnostic of Late Viking Ringerike and Urnes styles, indicating an 11th century date (Thomas, 2003, 6).2010-12-08 10:14:412011-01-06 12:50:004112010-12-0311113County / local importanceelburnettLaura BurnettSOMelburnettLaura BurnettCopper alloyCastCompleteCertainEARLY MEDIEVALMEDIEVALMetal detectorRestricted informationMs Laura BurnettMs Laura BurnettSOMERSETRestricted informationSOUTH SOMERSETRestricted informationRestricted informationRestricted informationRestricted informationST5222ST52SW

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