HARNESS PENDANT

An incomplete copper alloy harness pendant, of Medieval dating (AD 1200 to AD 1400).

Around 75% of the harness pendant is present. The suspension loop is incomplete. The pendant is in the form of a dog or lion crouched with an expanded projection from the centre of the back which acts as a suspension loop. The suspension loop is incomplete, with only the base remaining. The front of the pendant is moulded into the shape of a dog or lion while the reverse is flat and undecorated. The animal has his head turned to the right, with a rounded snout, and oval ears to each side of his head. Two rectangular legs are underneath his body, pointing to the left, and the hind quarters are emphasised by a raised semi-circular area. The tail is incomplete. Traces of silvering are still present on the hindquarters.

It measures 16.6 mm in length, 20.1 mm wide and 5.3 mm thick. It weighs 4.1 g.

The harness pendant is a mid to dark green with an even surface patina. Traces of silvering are still present on the surface. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

Several similar harness pendants have been recorded on the PAS database, with lion ramparts and fleur-de-lys being more common than passant dog / lion. Examples of the other recorded harness pendants include: YORYM-250306; YORYM-52A041 and IOW-D27197. All are considered to be medieval in dating (AD 1200 to AD 1400).