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SEAL MATRIX
Unique ID: HAMP-F1A5D8
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A Medieval (1250-1300) copper alloy pointed-oval seal matrix with a pierced lug to the reverse, measuring 31.81mm in length, 19.01mm in max.width, 7.31mm in max.depth and weighing 6.07g. The edge of the matrix is damaged in three places.
The matrix depicts a pelican in her piety, the pelican piercing its own breast to feed its chicks in a nest below, the nest resting in the upper branches of a larger branch. Around is the inscription * S'.hERBERTI.CLERICI (seal of Herbert the Cleric). The pelican in her piety is a motif known to be a symbol of Christ's sacrifice to mankind.
To the reverse the D-shaped loop has a 2.75mm diameter perforation, the loop extending into a wide flat rib running vertically along the central line of the matrix. Without the loop, the matrix is c.2.5mm thick.
The majority of vessica-shaped personal matrices appear to date from the mid to late 13th century (see Harvey and McGuinness 1996: 79-88). The surname in this example, 'Clerici', originates from the Latin 'clericus', meaning 'clergyman'; by around 1200, however, the term 'cleric' (or 'clerc') had acquired the more general meaning of 'pupil' or 'scholar'.
Find of note status
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Class:
personal
Sub class: man
Inscription:
* S'.hERBERTI.CLERICI
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1250
Date to: Circa AD 1300
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 31.81 mm
Width: 19.01 mm
Thickness: 7.31 mm
Weight: 6.07 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 13th November 2013 - Wednesday 8th January 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: winchester Museums Entry Form 3741
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hampshire (County)
District: Winchester (District)
To be known as: Winchester
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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