Rights Holder: Sussex Archaeological Society
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Unique ID: PUBLIC-1D3F65
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
An unusual, incomplete cast copper-alloy Early Medieval stirrup strap terminal of Anglo-Scandinavian attribution, dating from c. 11th century AD. The remains of the stirrup strap terminal consists of an oval suspension loop with suspension loop hole oriented parallel to the outer decorated surface of the terminal. Below this, a raised zoomorphic design decorates the outer surface, beginning with a protruding pointed knop, followed by a more shallow knop, possibly indicating the animal's body; below this another raised ridge meant to indicate its forehead is followed by two small sub-oval ears, recessed sub-oval eye sockets and a curled, symmetrical mouth or jaw and snout with raised nostrils. Attached to the bottom surface of the animal's snout is a sub-circular protruding segment of metal, possibly an additional component to the terminal. The reverse surface of the terminal is undecorated and concave in shape with a vertical groove running its length, similar to examples from this period. The terminal measures 56.76 mm long, 6.61 mm wide and weighs 10.6 grams.
Notes:
This object has been assessed by specialist David Williams, who has confirmed that although this is a stirrup strap terminal, it does not belong to a specific known type.
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Class: terminal
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Scandinavian style
Date from: Circa AD 1000
Date to: Circa AD 1100
Quantity: 1
Length: 56.76 mm
Width: 6.61 mm
Weight: 10.6 g
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 11th March 2014
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Other reference: PastfindersI
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.