BH-17E314: Unidentified object

Rights Holder: St. Albans District Council
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UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

Unique ID: BH-17E314

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation Find awaiting validation

A cast copper-alloy object of uncertain date and function.

The artefact consists of a flat-sectioned, openwork plate in the form of a pair of anthropomorphic feet, set side by side, their inner edges touching. A rib separates the toes from the rest of the feet, while a series of other such ribs defines a geometric pattern, the nature of which differs between the two feet. These designs may either be random in nature or else possibly designed to create the impression of sandal straps. Some of the apertures - particularly the outer toes and the chevron-shaped central cell of the right foot - contain traces of dark blue enamel. The plate is generally well finished, the only exception being at the heels, where there are projecting casting sprues or possibly the remains of a further, now missing, element. On the underside of the object there is a right-angled projection which tapers to a rounded top point.

Dimensions: 32.8mm long, 30.4mm wide, 2mm thick (plate), 14.4mm high. Weight: 10.03g.

No parallel could be found for this artefact which probably dates from either the Roman or Medieval periods. The general form and patination suggest that a Medieval date is perhaps more likely. It may well be a product of the Limoges industry, possibly produced as a pilgrims' souvenir or as part of a shrine.

Find of note status

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

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1
Date to: Circa AD 1500

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 32.8 mm
Height: 14.4 mm
Width: 30.4 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 10.03 g

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 10th March 2012

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: Ver 12/26 - 3

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Uncertain
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with enamel

Spatial metadata

Region: Eastern (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Cambridgeshire (County)
District: Huntingdonshire (District)
To be known as: Easton

Spatial coordinates


Grid reference source: From 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

Audit data

Recording Institution: BH
Created: 11 years ago
Updated: 11 years ago

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