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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: SWYOR-B369F5
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A copper alloy seal matrix which is a pointed oval in plan. There is a central rib on the reverse, prominent at one end only, with a broken suspension loop projecting backward. The legend is a non personal one reading: "FLOS •TEGIT • ARCHANA" round a design of a hand holding a flower. The medieval Latin is not easy to translate, but may mean 'the flower holds a secret' alluding to the fact that the contents of the letter are private and protected by the flower seal. This idea is similar to Seal Matrices bearing the legend "leo tegit secretum", meaning 'the lion holds (or perhaps, guards) a secret', and the rose is supposed to be a symbol of secrecy as well. According to Wikipedia "In Rome a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secret or confidential matters were discussed. The phrase sub rosa, or "under the rose", means to keep a secret - derived from this ancient Roman practice."
The shape and style of the matrix suggest a date in the late 13th or 14th century. Oval seals were often used by women, which would seem to be supported by the use of the feminine device of a flower. The matrix is in very good condition but has lost most of its patina, leaving the metal dull grey green.
Inscription:
FLOS •TEGIT • ARCHANA
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1250
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 30.2 mm
Width: 19.6 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
Weight: 7.9 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 1st May 2010 - Wednesday 28th July 2010
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: PAS form number 1185
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Lincolnshire (County)
District: South Kesteven (District)
Parish or ward: Fenton (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SK8377
Four figure Latitude: 53.283485
Four figure longitude: -0.756531
1:25K map: SK8377
1:10K map: SK87NW
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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