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SPOON
Unique ID: IOW-351B46
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete Medieval to Early post Medieval copper-alloy chrism (chrysm) or baptismal inscribed probable spoon handle (c. 1300-c. 1600).
The handle is sub-rectangular in plan and rectangular in cross-section. Both ends are in the form of old breaks.
The handle narrows in width towards the missing bowl. The front of the handle is crudely inscribed in capital letters:
[...] TER·DEI·MEMANTO· [...]
The full inscription probably read: 'MATER DEI MEMANTO MEI' (Mother of God, Remember Me).
A groove is present along each side, creating a border for the inscription. The rear face is plain.
This handle has a green patina and faint traces of a white metal coating.
Length: 42.0mm; width at wide end: 7.7mm; width at narrow end: 6.2mm; thickness: 1.6mm. Weight: 3.38g.
A slightly more complete example has been recorded from Tong, Shropshire (WMID-5FF2DB), See also: BH-E4DAA8A and SOM-3DF4FE.
Similar inscriptions appear on several other artefacts, all of a Late Medieval to Early Post Medieval dating (1300-1600). These artefacts include: purse bar: SUR-B93AC3 and finger rings: LON-596D94 and BH-7ADF24.
Notes:
This spoon may have belonged to a travelling set of vessels containing the three holy oils used in the medieval church: oleum infirmorum for the sick; oleum catechumenorum for baptism; and chrisma or balm, used for confirmation, ordination and certain consecrations. However, without the bowl, the object remains unconfirmed as a spoon.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Class:
Chrism
Inscription:
[...] TER·DEI·MEMANTO·[...]
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1600
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 42 mm
Width: 7.7 mm
Thickness: 1.6 mm
Weight: 3.38 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 18th October 2017 - Wednesday 18th October 2017
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2017-4-55
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Completeness: Incomplete
Surface Treatment: White metal coated
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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