STIRRUP

An early medieval copper alloy stirrup strap mount of Williams' (1997) Class B, Type 2, group 4, dating to the period c. AD 1000 - 1100. 

The strap mount is loosely square in shape, with an openwork design with four apertures separated by a central vertical and horizontal bar. There is a rectangular flange which extends at right angles on the lower part of the object, and a rectangular plate atop the openwork area with a central circular aperture for attachment. The mount is elaborately decorated with a raised moulded design which incorporates both anthropomorphic and zoomorphic elements.

The main feature of the design is a human face with a broad nose, slight smirk expressed with thickened lips, and large pellet formed globular eyes. Above this is a distinct hairstyle which ends in a pointed quiff on the forehead, composed of multiple vertical lines indicating individual strands or possibly plaits. This is placed in the centre of the central vertical bar. Along the outer frame of the mount is a zoomorphic design consisting of a pair of double headed sinuous beasts, possibly dragons. They have open gaping maws with pointed fangs visible, and distinct pellet eyes present in the long heads above the extended snouts. Neat ears or neck frills are present, extending outwards from the main frame of the mount. 

WMID-4C8A00 is an extremely similar example with a near identical design, incorporating the human face with double headed dragons. Other examples include YORYM-8286A3 and CORN-0BA20D, and the presence of another example from the south west is intriguing. It has been designated a find of note due to the rarity of this object type within the region.

Measurements: 32.9mm length, 29.1mm width, 5.5mm thickness, weight 15.99g