PENDANT

Unique ID: SUR-7D27D6

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Notes:

A small number of Tau cross pendants are known. A copper alloy example from Broughton, Hampshire (WILT-B4CF25), although not certainly a pendant, is decorated with engraved figures perhaps representing St Anthony and perhaps St Catherine. A closer parallel may be a hollow Tau cross pendant, thought to be of late 15^th century date, found in Winteringham, North Lincolnshire and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The angles of the Winteringham cross originally appear to have been fitted with pearls of which only the rivet attachments now remain; it may be that the spheres on the Bramley cross are imitating such pearls. The Winteringham cross, whose faces figure engravings of the Holy Trinity and the Virgin and Child, also appears to have transverse holes across the base of the vertical arm. From the transverse holes in the Bramley pendant was probably hung a small bell. A portrait entitled 'The Man with the Pinks' by Jan van Eyck (c1430s) shows the sitter wearing a neck ring from which is suspended a Tau cross pendant from which hangs a bell. A similar Tau cross/bell combination can be seen on a bronze sculpture of a courtly figure (c1476) from the Abbey Church of St.Michael, Antwerp, and now in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Tau pendants of lead/tin are also known with suspended bells.

Such crosses are thought to be connected with a desire to ward off the effects of ergot poisoning, widespread in the late 15^th century, caused by rotten grain.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure

Treasure details

Treasure case tracking number: 2010 T96

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1450
Date to: Circa AD 1550

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 23.05 mm
Width: 16.51 mm
Weight: 4.13 g

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 13th February 2010

Personal details

This information is restricted for your access level.

Other reference numbers

Other reference: 10.205
Treasure case number: 2010 T96

Materials and construction

Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: Gilded