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SPINDLE WHORL

Unique ID: DENO-40AEE0

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Complete cast lead spindle whorl of probable Medieval date. The whorl is biconical in form with a central perforation. There is an inscription formed of raised lettering on both sides of the whorl. One side reads IESVS (Jesus) with the first S back to front and an initial mark between the second S and the J which is possibly a skull. The inscription on the second side has proved more difficult to decipher due to idiosyncratic lettering and wear. The probable reading of this word is MARIA (Mary) although the M is formed as a heart shape, the first A & R are possibly transposed with the third letter of the word inverted whilst the alledged letter I looks more like a letter T. Again there is a ‘skull’ as an initial mark separating the M and second A. There is room for an additional letter to have existed between the ‘skull’ and letter M although the surface is damaged in this area making it difficult to be certain. The skull is likely to be serving as 'memento mori' (remember you must die) symbolism. The use of the skull as a memento mori symbol became very popular in the fifteenth century. Dated c.1350-1550 (most likely to be 1400-1500). Dimensions: Diameter: 26.9mm; Diameter of hole: 10.55mm; Thickness: 13.05mm; Weight: 38.18g.

Find of note status

This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.

Inscription: IESVS / ?MARIA

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1550

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Thickness: 13.05 mm
Weight: 38.18 g
Diameter: 26.9 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Friday 2nd October 2009

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: E6804

Materials and construction

Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: East Midlands (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Nottinghamshire (County)
District: Rushcliffe (District)
To be known as: Stanton on the Wolds Area

Spatial coordinates

Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land
Specific landuse: Character undetermined

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: DENO
Created: 14 years ago
Updated: 13 years ago

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