SEAL MATRIX

A complete cast copper alloy pedestal / pendant seal matrix, of Medieval dating (1250 to 1400 AD).

The body of the matrix consists of a pedestal formed from six irregular tapering sides. These terminate in a single moulded band below a sub triangular pointed loop. The suspension hole is broadly circular in shape. No orientation marks are present around the base of the matrix. The die or seal face is broadly circular in plan, with a diameter of 19.34mm.

The die / seal face is incomplete, with the edges being damaged. The die is well cut and detailed. The central device of the seal depicts a curled sleeping animal, probably a lion, beneath a triple branched palm or similar style tree. The head of the animal is neat, with a series of ridges around the face, probably the mane of a lion. The leaves of the tree are made from multiple diagonal incised lines. The design is enclosed by a single incised line. The inscription has been placed outside of this border. The edges are incomplete, and has resulted in the loss of part of the inscription. It is possible to read WAK [ ]M [ ]MAN. The full inscription is probably that of 'WAKE ME NO MAN'. The initial mark is located directly above the central leaf of the tree and centrally above the lion and consists of a six pointed star.

The matrix is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patina covering the majority of the surface. Abrasion, caused by movement within the plough soil has resulted in the loss of some surface details and the edges of the device. In the areas where the surface patina has been removed, it is a mid green colour. No signs of active corrosion are present.

The matrix measures 28.52mm tall, 19.34mm wide (at the base), and 18.82mm thick (at the base). The pedestal has a diameter of 5.40mm. The internal diameter of the suspension loop is 1.70mm. It weighs 11.4 grams.

This type of seal is consistent with a late 13th to 14th Century date, and was probably a private, personal seal. A number of these seals are known and several have been recorded on the PAS database including HESH-51AFF1. The motto WAKE ME NO MAN is noted as being relatively common on seals depicting lions. This motto still survives in modern speech as "let sleeping dogs lie".