VESSEL

A mount from a copper-alloy vessel of medieval date. The object takes the form of a three dimensional female head and would originally have adorned the handle of a 15th century priest's washing bowl, or "laver". The face is sub-rectangular and has a slightly convex upper surface, upon which are the crudely-depicted (through use of cast lines) lozenge shaped eyes, eyebrows, and oval mouth. The face is framed on both sides by the hair, which has almost vertical outer edges, moulded wavy line indentations, and extends to the chin. The width of the head narrows slightly towards the back and the moulded hair decoration extends across the two vertical sides and the top of the head, where there is a central parting. At the central point of the back of the head is a large circular attachment hole with a slight bevel to its inner edge. At the bottom of the head is the neck and upper chest. The chest has a rounded base and extends slightly beyond the level of the rim. Only a small portion of the rim now survives. The body of the vessel is fairly steeply inclined.