STIRRUP

Early medieval copper alloy stirrup terminal (Anglo-Scandinavian 1000-1100) Length: 25 mm, width: 12 mm, thickness: 12 mm, weight: 11.89 g.
The object is rectangular in form and triangular in cross section. It has a rectangular hollow on its lower side which contains traces of lead solder (used to apply to the stirrup).

The object is in the form of a beast with a projecting snout and large flared nostrils. When viewed from above its 'nose' is pointing outwards and its snout has a large incised chevron filling it. Behind that is a prominent bulging rounded brow line, though no obvious eyes are depicted. Above this the object is flat and has three linear incisions, which may be the decoration of a collar, though the upper edge is damaged so this is unconfirmed. When viewed from the side the object is triangular and behind its nostrils it has a projecting triangular plate forming its 'cheeks'. These are decorated with a raised chevron shaped 'lappet' that sits directly under the central incised chevron. The lower part of this triangle forms a plate that sits above the nostrils and projects outwards, forming a baseplate for the terminal.

This example is one of the best we have recorded, being very well executed and having very little wear. Its form sits somewhere between fig 2 eg. A and fig 4 eg. C in Williams, D., FRG datasheet 24 'Stirrup Terminals'.

The object was found in association with LEIC-F1B542 by the same finder. They may have been found close together, but the finder does not provide accurate locations.