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STAFF
Unique ID: HAMP-8C67D6
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An openwork artefact solidly cast in copper alloy: such objects are currently thought to be lower terminals from medieval ecclesiastical staffs. The object consists of a cuboid openwork head with a circular sleeve emerging from one of the faces. Although cuboid in plan, the head is in fact formed of lozenges with a central cross; it gives the effect of a cube with its corners cut off. At each corner of each lozenge is a large pellet. The is an equally large pellet in the centre of the cross on the uppermost face. The centres of all the other faces have a slightly smaller pellet. Pellets of this latter size decorate the edges of each lozenge: generally three on each edge, but in some cases two, and in one case four. The sleeve terminates in a collar and features two opposing perforations aligned with the centres of two for the sides. These holes may have been used for rivets to fix the head onto a staff. For a discussion of these artefacts see record WMID-20EEE6 on this database. This object is relatively roughly cast, with flashes not filed down, for example. It has a generally bronzy-brown colour suggesting that it has been cleaned recently.
Notes:
The recorder is indebted to Mr Alan Cracknell for his illustration of this artefact
Class: other
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 45.35 mm
Width: 32.5 mm
Weight: 57.6 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st January 1995
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: E2411
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hampshire (County)
District: Basingstoke and Deane (District)
Parish or ward: Whitchurch (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU4647
Four figure Latitude: 51.220351
Four figure longitude: -1.342719
1:25K map: SU4647
1:10K map: SU44NE
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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