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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: IOW-E73982
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete Medieval impersonal cast copper alloy pedestal/pendant seal matrix (c. 1300-c. 1350).
The suspension loop is missing due to a break.
The body of the seal is hexagonal in cross-section and tapers towards a break at the top. The circular die is sharply cut and well defined.
The die has a central circular motif which is surrounded by an inscription. These are divided by a beaded circle. From an impression the motif is in the form of a lion in a curled sleeping position. Its head, facing left, is in human form. The lips nose and eye are particularly well defined. Its body is arched towards the top of the die and is striated to emulate hair. The tail, with a bulbous end, curves around so that its tip almost makes contact with rear of the head. On the inside of the tail a single three-clawed foot is depicted. At the centre of the lion there is a small pellet.
The inscription starts at 12 o' clock with a six-pointed star initial mark and reads from right to left:
'WAKE ME NO MAN'
There is a further beaded circle close to the edge.
Height: 12.87mm; maximum diameter: 17.43mm. Weight: 4.69g.
At top: width: 6.65; thickness: 4.02mm.
This seal matrix has a deep green patina on the matrix and a lighter green patina on the body. There is a small loss of material around the edge of the die. The breaks are old.
A number of seal matrices with this inscription have been recorded on The Portable Antiquities Scheme database. See finds: BUC-AB7E82; HESH-51AFF1; LIN-3984A2; LON-D20201; LVPL-4D7F95; NLM-D484D1; NMS-1A3440; NMS-7F8D02; SOMDOR-BB1AD2; SUSS-222E27 and WAW-2975F1.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Class: Impersonal
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1350
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 12.87 mm
Weight: 4.69 g
Diameter: 17.43 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 24th April 2013
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2013-1-240
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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