CLASP

A complete cast copper alloy strap clasp frame, with anthropomorphic (human face) decoration, of Late Medieval dating (c. 1350 to c.1400 AD).

The clasp frame is sub-rectangular in plan and 'U' shaped in section with upturned sides. The frame is recessed for the plate (completely missing), with the outside edge elaborately decorated with an integrally cast head. The facial features are clearly incised on the clasp, consisting of circular-shaped eyes, a partially open incised mouth and a central located raised triangular nose. The face protrudes outwards from the clasp with the nose and chin being prominent. The top of the face is depicted by a horizontal incision across the width of the frame. Above this, at the edge of the frame is a ridge with vertical incisions, depicting hair. A small ridge is present on the edge of the frame, either side of the face, below the level of the chin.

The underneath of the frame is plain and undecorated, with signs of polishing (due to wear) on the back of the plate.

The clasp frame measures 30.27mm in length, 12.59mm wide and 6.22mm thick. The metal is 1.31mm thick. It weighs 4.9 grams.

Overall, the artefact is in a slightly worn but good condition with a dark green patina.

A very similar example is illustrated in Egan & Pritchard (2002, pp 119 & 120, fig 78, #568). Egan & Pritchard state that 'further examples of these distinctive, well-made two-part clasps with crowned heads have been found on the site of a medieval village in Lincolnshire believed to have been deserted around the middle of the 14th century, and another found at Dover has raised hands to the sides of the head' (page 120). Several others have been recorded on the PAS database including WMID-D3B183 and WMID-CD7CE7.

This clasp has been published in Gilmore (2019, 3; fig. 5)