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SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: ESS-A212C7

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Complete copper-alloy seal matrix dating from c. AD 1200-1400. The seal matrix has a circular die stamp and a tapered and faceted hexagonal section handle with a collared oval drilled loop at its apex.

The die has the engraved image of a squirrel facing right (left in impression) at the centre. Around this is the inscription * I CRAKE NOTIS (I crack nuts), which is a common legend on squirrel matrices (see also NLM-8D8EAA, WILT-B5DF0B, LVPL-0DFAFC, YORYM-ACEBA5

Notes:

Wildlife, particularly squirrels, hares and rabbits appear frequently on matrices of this type. Seal matrices of this type bearing imaginative legends in French or English and with decorative rather than heraldic central elements are typical of the 14th century AD. Harvey and McGuinness, (1996: pp. 88-89, 116).

According to Harvey and McGuiness (1996, page 89) the squirrel eating a nut with the legend 'I crake notis' symbolises "sexual conquest". Red squirrels were sometimes seen in medieval art as women's familiars, and their association may well have a more sexual meaning.

Harvey, P. D. A. and McGuinness, A. 1996. A Guide to British Medieval Seals. London: The British Library and Public Record Office

Inscription: * I CRAKE NOTIS

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 23.6 mm
Weight: 9.86 g
Diameter: 18.8 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 4th September 2007

Personal details

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Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: Eastern (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Essex (County)
District: Uttlesford (District)
Parish or ward: Hatfield Broad Oak (Civil Parish)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: TL5516
Four figure Latitude: 51.82113014
Four figure longitude: 0.2475251
1:25K map: TL5516
1:10K map: TL51NE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: ESS
Created: 2 years ago
Updated: About one year ago

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