STRAP END

An incomplete and very worn cast copper-alloy Early-Medieval strap end of Thomas Class A Type 5. The strap end is missing part of the attachment end due to old breaks. It is flat, oval in shape, with slightly convex sides that taper to a moulded zoomorphic terminal end. The terminal takes the form of a stylised animal head. It consists of a rounded snout above which are oval shaped eyes defined by incised grooves and a central punched circle. Above the eyes is a raised brow with oval shaped ears that contain incised semi-circular decoration. The upper half of the plate is defined by incised grooves that create a central triangular panel and two flanking triangular panels. The front face of each panel contains traces of inlaid niello decoration, most of which is now missing due to old breaks and wear, but what survives indicates the likely presence of inlaid silver wire scroll or S-shaped motifs. At the split attachment end the upper plate has a scalloped inner edge with the remains of two small circular sewing holes to either side, separated by two incised vertical grooves. The lower plate appears to be missing but there is no trace of an old break perhaps suggesting that the open end consisted solely of an upper plate for attachment to the strap. The back face of the strap end is flat and undecorated, and all surfaces demonstrate extensive signs of post-depositional wear. It measures 42.48mm in length, 16.44mm in width, 2.75mm in thickness, and weighs 8.05g. The presence of a zeoomorphic terminal, three decorative panels and the remains of inlaid niello or silver wire scrolled decoration indicates that this strap end belongs in Thomas' Class A Type 5 strap ends (Thomas, 2003: pp. 2, 4). This group is characterised by these elements and appears to be particularly concentrated in East Anglia, notably in Norfolk and Suffolk, Thomas suggesting a possible local origin for the type (Thomas, 2003: 4). It probably dates to the 9th century AD or perhaps c.750-900 AD.