Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
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Unique ID: LANCUM-B147C9
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Copper-alloy zoomorphic object of unknown date, probably within the range c. 43 - 1700 AD, and uncertain function, probably a mount. The object is broadly oval in shape and convex, in the shape of what appears to be a lion's head with moulded features and incised details such as eyes and mane. The object flattens slightly at the top, where a spur protrudes from the back, tapering rapidly into a blunt point. The end of the spur is worn and seems to represent a break. This spur does not seem to have been integrally cast with the rest of the object. The edges of the object are worn and a section has broken off at the top to one side of the spur. It has a light brown patina. Lion head mounts and furniture fittings are well represented from the Roman period and this example does exhibit similarities to NARC-B20204, a possible furniture mount, although the lion head is stylistically different. It is likely that the spur on this example had some sort of attachment function. A Roman date is appealing as Samian ware has been found in close proximity to it. Until a securely dated close parallel is found, however, dating and identification must remain uncertain.
The object is 17.4mm at maximum length, 36.5mm at maximum width and 36.3mm at maximum thickness. It weighs 15.34g.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Quantity: 1
Length: 17.4 mm
Width: 36.5 mm
Thickness: 36.3 mm
Weight: 15.34 g
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 24th April 2018
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Primary material: Copper alloy
Decoration style: Zoomorphic
Completeness: Incomplete
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.