2012-01-26 15:26:29 Elizabeth Walker lwalker 2012-01-31 15:55:00 Stephanie Smith stephaniesmith SUSS-170A48 BULLA An incomplete cast lead alloy bulla (seal) of Pope Honorius IV (1285-1287 AD). Side 1: Busts of St. Paul and St. Peter. Both busts are each positioned within a beaded aureole. St. Paul, on the left, is depicted with a long beard and St Peter, on the right, has a curly beard formed of small pellets. Both heads are enclosed within a border of pellets (or pearls). A long cross with base is placed between the two heads. Above the busts is an inscription 'SPA SPE'. The side near St. Peter's bust and the border underneath the busts has been removed and there seem to be fairly regular small chopping marks, which suggests that this removal was purposeful, instead of due to post-depositional damage. Side 2: Inscription 'hONORIVS PP IIII' (in three lines). PP is an abbreviation for 'pastor pastorum', meaning 'shepherd of the shepherds'. The letters have curled serifs, with elaborate decoration emphasizing each P in 'PP'. The bulla measures 40.13 mm in diameter, 5.18 mm thick and weighs 40.64 grams. It is in good condition, except for removed edges described below; the lead alloy has developed an overall pale buff patina. For similar bulla of Honorius IV on the PAS database, cf. IOW-AFE665 and CAM-1A7AF8. An incomplete cast lead alloy bulla (seal) of Pope Honorius IV (1285-1287 AD). Side 1: Busts of St. Paul and St. Peter. Both busts are each positioned within a beaded aureole. St. Paul, on the left, is depicted with a long beard and St Peter, on the right, has a curly beard formed of small pell... Tim Pestell has commented: "Papal bulls came as two basic types, according to the contents of the document: Tituli, or "Letters of Grace", essentially granted or confirmed rights, conferred benefices or promulgated statutes. They generally had their lead bullae attached with cords of silk. Mandamenta, or "Letters of Justice" were mandates that conveyed papal orders, prohibitions or injunctions, and had their bullae attached by hemp threads" (excerpt from PAS record: IOW-AFE665). Lead Alloy Cast MEDIEVAL MEDIEVAL MEDIEVAL 1285 1287 40.13 5.18 Fair Incomplete 2012-01-26 15:26:29 WEST SUSSEX ARUN LITTLEHAMPTON POINT( ) TQ00SW TQ0202 29.06.2003 Metal detector Date listed is date submitted for recording. 1 SUSS Creative Commons Non Commercial Share Alike - The Portable Antiquities Scheme 2012 These records can be reproduced in a non commercial enviroment as long as the original recorder is cited. The Portable Antiquities Scheme info@finds.org.uk No fees are applicable.