STRAP END

An incomplete Early Medieval (middle to late Anglo Saxon) copper-alloy zoomorphic strap end (750-950 AD). This is a Thomas Class A, Type 5 strap end with a split-ended plate pierced by two rivet holes (both rivets still present), the body of the strap end has curving sides and it gradually tapers down to the zoomorphic terminal. The ears of the zoomorphic terminal are pronounced and form part of the curving outline of the edge of the strap end. There are two V-shaped notches at the open end creating a tri-lobed appearance.

The strap end is decorated with three longitudinally-arranged parallel panels of black/grey niello with decorative silver wire inlay. This silver wire has been inlaid in scrolling s-shaped patterns. There are similar patterns of inlaid silver wire on the ears and forehead of the beast. Traces of a white metal coating, silvering, survive mostly on the front of the strap end but also on the reverse as well. There is a double chevron of grooves on the tip of the nose marking the nostrils of the beast.

Between the two rivets there appear to be a couple of air bubbles probably from the casting process. There are traces of iron corrosion products in the grooves between the longitudinal panels, next to one ear and in the eye sockets.

Dating as suggested by Thomas (2003:2), he notes that Class A Type 5 strap ends "are the most narrowly distributed of the types with over 85% of the 100 findspots falling within Suffolk and Norfolk, the majority of such strap ends are likely to be of East Anglian origin. The main concentration of outliers reflects the activity of contemporary trading networks along the eastern seaboard and can be compared to the distribution of other East Anglian exports such as Ipswich ware pottery."

Dimensions: Length: 40.05mm; Width: 15.86mm; Thickness: 5.30mm; Weight: 9.56g.