Rights Holder: I. Szymanski
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SEAL MATRIX

Unique ID: IHS-51C386

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

A lead, circular seal matrix, back with a design of an oak-like leaf with seven lobes on it. The surface of the matrix is a little grainy, hence some of the letters are damaged, but the central design is clear. Device of five equally-spaced oak leaves radiating from a central point and almost reaching the edge of the device area; remainder of area clear and smooth. Device separated from legend by a neat circle; a similar circle marks the outer edge of the matrix face. Measurements: 24 mm diameter (approx.).

Notes:

This matrix has survived in relatively good condition, albeit with slight damage to the lettering. The attractive oak-leaf design of the intaglio is well-cut, with the leaves evenly spaced, and what can be seen of the lettering is also well executed. However, in spite of the quality of its execution, the legend makes no sense, and this situation would not be improved even if the first letter of the "Christian name" were legible. It is possible that the legend was chosen by an illiterate buyer who selected a number of letters that he saw on a regular basis painted on the walls of his local church; this would, for example, explain the presence of the X, an uncommon letter on matrices but familiar from the "chi rho", the Greek monogram for Christ. This latter point might also explain its unusually slender form on this matrix. Similarly, a double S would be seen under pictures of multiple saints, as the abbreviation for "saints" would become SS, as is still the case today. Another possibility is that the two Xs may be intended as the abbreviation for "Chr", the chi, and the legend may be intended to read "by Christ's Cross".

Inscription: *S'·_OXTE:XOSSE_ _

Subsequent actions

Current location of find: Returned to finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Date from: AD 1200
Date to: AD 1300

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Diameter: 24 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Friday 14th March 2003

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: Originally York Sealmat 212

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast

Spatial metadata

Region: Eastern (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Norfolk (County)
District: South Norfolk (District)
Parish or ward: Diss (Civil Parish)

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: IHS
Created: 18 years ago
Updated: 13 years ago

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