DRESS FASTENER (DRESS)

A fragment of cast copper alloy in the form of a head of uncertain date, likely Post Medieval. The object is a fragment of a larger whole, the purpose of which is uncertain.

The object is sub-oval in plan, with a near plano-convex section, the obverse being bast in relief and the reverse being slightly concave (suggested by Mark Redknap to be indicative of shrinkage produced by casing in an open mould).  Every edge of the object is a break, indicating the object formed part of a larger, flat object. The obverse is decorated in the form of a male face, with a beard executed with lines radiating from the pursed lips, a moustache, and almond shaped eyes set beneath a stylised brow ridge that flows into the nose, and curves down either side of the eyes like a helmet. Above the brow ridge the hair is executed in radiating lines and is topped by a coiled spiral knot of hair at the very top of the head.

The detail of the decoration is incomplete, with patches of damage, but largely survives. The metal has a black pitted patina with patches of dark green corrosion product.

The identification of this object is difficult, although a post medieval date is suggested by the XRF results. XRF testing showed the alloy was predominantly copper with small zinc and tin signals present, as well as trace quantities of iron and lead (likely from soil contamination). This suggests that the alloy was probably a form of gunmetal (copper with zinc and tin), commonly used in the Post Medieval period. The art style of the object also seems to fit well with Post Medieval art. A different potential identification made during the early stages of recording was that the head may be the head of Saint Alban- decapitated and tied to a tree by his hair- from a medieval pilgrim badge. However, the use of copper alloy as a material makes this identification very unlikely. A more likely candidate for ID was suggested by Cat Rees- the object may be a fragment of a post medieval dress fastener e.g: LVPL-A64B37, KENT-3A1B94, CORN-90E204.

Length: 22.7mm

Width: 13.2mm

Thickness: 3.6mm

Weight: 2.9g