HOOKED TAG

An incomplete cast silver hooked tag of early medieval date. The hooked tag comprises a circular plate with two projecting, integral attachment loops (4.8mm diameter) at one end and the remains of the hook at the other end, the tip lost to a worn break. The junction between the plate and hook features a plain, moulded ridge.

The front of the plate is decorated with an animal motif set within a border approximately 2mm in width. The animal's body, shown in profile, fills much of the plate and its head, shown in plan, is arranged at the hook end of the tag. It has a rounded snout with two drilled nostrils, above which are two drilled eyes. One pointed ear is visible above the left-hand eye (as photographed). The neck below is C-shaped, extending into a broad S-shaped body decorated with nicks, specks and ring-and-dot motifs. The animal has one visible fore- and hind leg, each with three toes; and a curlicue feature extending from the centre of its back that may represent a wing. Another curlicue extends backwards from the foreleg and a double curlicue represents the tail. An additional, limb-like decoration with transverse grooves appears to the front of the creature.

The back of the tag is plain. Both front and back surfaces are scratched.

Dimensions:
Length: 31.7mm (overall)
Width: 21.7mm (overall)
Thickness: 4.1mm
Weight: 4.23g

Discussion:
This hooked tag falls within Read's (2008) Class D, Type 1 with a circular or sub-circular plate and two attachment loops. The style of the creature depicted upon it, particularly the form of its head, can be compared with Anglo-Saxon metalwork and sculpture of the ninth century (Webster and Backhouse 1991, 205), for instance a censer from North Elmham, Norfolk (British Museum), the metal seal of Æthelwald (British Museum) and various strap-ends (Thomas 2000 and 2003). These parallels provide a likely date for the Whitchurch hooked tag.

Date:
Ninth century

Conclusion:
In terms of age and precious metal content, the object qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

References:
Read, B. 2008. Hooked-Clasps and Eyes. Langport: Portcullis Publishing

Thomas, G., 2000. A Survey of Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age Strap-Ends from Britain. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of London

Thomas, G., 2003. Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age Strap-ends 750-1100: Part 1. Finds Research Group Datasheet 32

Webster, L. and Backhouse, J. (eds.), 1991. The Making of England. London: British Museum Press