2012-01-29 22:22:17 Frank Basford fbasford 2012-01-31 17:49:00 Frank Basford fbasford IOW-5C6967 BULLA A complete Medieval cast lead papal bulla of Pope Martin IV (1281-1285 AD). The object is sub-circular in plan. It has small openings at the top and bottom to allow the thread to be inserted into the internal recess. The obverse bears the conventional raised busts of Saints Peter and Paul both within drop-shaped pelleted borders. On the left, St Paul's beard is portrayed as being long, straight and pointed, while his hair is straight and swept back. On the right, Peter looks left with his more rounded hair and beard both formed of pellets. Between the two faces there is a crozier and above are the inscriptions: 'SPA SPE' (abbreviations for St Paul and St Peter). The reverse face has the raised legend: MAR/TINVS/PP.IIII (omega above the 'P's)' in three lines, within a pelleted border: 'PP' = 'Pastor Pastorum', translated as 'shepherd of the shepherds'. This bulla has a pale with some small areas of corrosion. The lower side is flattened. Height: 34.62mm; width: 37.78mm; thickness: 6.35mm. Weight: 45.86g. Pope Martin IV was Pope between 1281 and 1285. It is therefore likely that the bull was created and used between these dates. The papal bulla is a formal seal of office used by the Popes to stamp and authenticate documents produced by the papal curia. Dr Tim Pestell (Curator of Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery) 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. Justice" were mandates that conveyed papal orders, prohibitions or injunctions, and had their bullae attached by hemp threads". A complete Medieval cast lead papal bulla of Pope Martin IV (1281-1285 AD). The object is sub-circular in plan. It has small openings at the top and bottom to allow the thread to be inserted into the internal recess. The obverse bears the conventional raised busts of Saints Peter and Paul both wi... Lead Cast MEDIEVAL MEDIEVAL Early ROMAN Early 1281 1285 37.78 34.62 6.35 SPA SPE MAR/TINVS/PP.IIII Good Complete 2012-01-29 22:22:17 ISLE OF WIGHT ISLE OF WIGHT POINT( ) GPS SZ41SW SZ4313 29.06.2003 Metal detector Club rally 1 IOW 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.