UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

An unidentified copper alloy object of uncertain date, Roman to Post Medieval, about AD 43 - 1800. The incomplete object is a pointed oval in plan. The front if convex and is moulded with a V shaped lower area with concave sides at one end, creating a visual effect similar to a beetle opening its wings, like a depiction of a fly or like the bud of a flower opening. The "wings" of the fly have stppled moullding giving texture. At what would be the stem end of a flower bud is a short, wide projection, moulded with two small domes next to each other. The object may have originally continued further in this direction. One the reverse is a raised, convex area at the projecting end and extending on to the back of the oval. This has a circular marking at the end nearest the middle, and may be an attachment scar. A slight circular mark on the front at this point, right in the apex of the recessed tringle, may be a copper alloy rivet. At the opposite end, the flower part is a bud is depicted, is a slight projecting rib on the reverse, which would have extended beyond the edge of the front plate, and has longitudinal striations on it. It also appears to curve slightly, suggesting a hook may have projected. The rest of the reverse is flat. The object is 27.6mm long, 14.4mm wide and 4.1mm thick. 5.44g.

Thsi object is not readily identifiable. It has some similarities to Roman "fly" brooches, but the fittings on the reverse do not appears to be brooch fittings and the patina, which is dark grey, is not typical of Roman objects. SUR-D1F264 is another odd object with similarities to Roman fly brooches. The record suggests that the symbolism could be that of female genitalia. This could also be an interpretation of this object, especially if the two domes are placed uppermost and interpreted as breasts above a much exaggerated vulva.

There are also Post Medieval mounts which fly shaped (eg: SUSS-F2D901), as well as examples shaped like buds (eg SUR-2AA374). However, these usually have two integral spikes on the reverse which are not evident on this object. It is possible this item could be a sword belt fitting, perhaps a scabbard hook for a matching suite of similar items. If interpreted as a graphically explicit object, this would also fit into a Post Medieval tradition of "bawdy" novelties.