2024-03-29T08:18:30+00:00https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810/format/qrcodehttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810/format/jsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810/format/xmlhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810/format/geojsonhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810/format/pdfhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810/format/rdfhttps://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/568810568810PUBLIC-EC2A87PAS51DEC2A8001D76BUCKLEgaping mouth beastType 23514.6618.6518.915.211EARLY MEDIEVAL10001150A cast and slightly worn copper-alloy zoomorphic 'gaping mouth beast' buckle of 11th or very early 12th century date.
Description: The buckle is formed from a beast's head with a large gaping mouth and detail cast in relief. In cross-section the buckle is D-shaped. The head has blunt slightly rounded snout, round ears and large almond-shaped eyes with small partially drilled pupils and long sweeping eyebrows which end in a small upwards curl. The features at the mouth end of the head are less clear, with a number of curled interlaced elements, possibly denoting a mouth with teeth (if a lion or canine animal), a harness (if a horse) or whiskers (if a dog). The hollow of the buckle mimics the overall cross-section.
At the attachment end are two projecting pierced tabs through which a separate copper-alloy attachment bar has been inserted. The bar is obscured wth corrosion and dirt but remains intact, though slightly bowed and out of position, resting on the back of the frame. No evidence of a buckle pin remains. It is a mottled grey-brown colour with some patches of greener copper-alloy corrosion.
Measurements: Length: 35mm, Width: 14.66mm, Thickness: 18.9mm and Weight: 18.65g
Discussion: Gaping mouth beast buckles are a relatively rare group of objects, usually dated to the 12th century, with various possible animals represented, although none are yet known from sealed archaeological contexts (Rogerson and Ashley 2011, 299-302). While the overall functional form mirrors these 12th century examples, the artistic form is very much that of the Anglo-Scandinavian 11th century. An 11th to early 12th century date is therefore suggested.2013-07-11 15:35:202023-04-25 02:13:093122013-07-101Probably11314729PAS51DEC2A8001D7672PUBLICInclude in MedArchCopper alloy10627IncompleteEARLY MEDIEVALEMx41022p0gjgrshhcwMEDIEVALMDx14221p0gjgrsxwzxMetal detectorCircaCirca85276618210183031822441421TQ8459TQ8459TQ85NW51.30038380.63803686101618831PUBLICEC2A87.jpg6641653Gaping mouth buckle, with thanks to the finder for the individual views of the objects.Kent County Council4images/ucljo/South EastGrassland, HeathlandEuropean RegionCountyKentDistrictMaidstoneCivil Parish51.31570.635089StockburyReturned to finder96667