HARNESS FITTING

A copper alloy early-medieval harness link dating to c.11th century. The object is nearly complete with only the left edge of one of the loops missing.

The original harness link would have consisted of two oval loops. While the left edge of the left loop is missing it is still possible to determine their dimensions which were 9.6 mm x 13.8mm. The right loop has 3 projecting knobs, one on each side of the loop, none survive on the left although these might have been lost to damage.

Between the loops runs a rectangular bar which is D-shaped in cross section with a flat reverse and convex front. At the centre of this bar is a domed and moulded decorative boss shaped into the head of a predator, possibly cat. This boss has projecting triangular ears, 2 recessed circular cells (c.1.5mm diamater) for eyes, moulded oval nose that project outwards from the boss and terminates at the upper jaw below which project two triangular teeth. The reverse of the boss is slightly recessed from the bar but not entirely hollow.

The link is a medium brown colour with light green patches.

The link is 16.9mm in length, has a maximum width of 19.3mm , a maximum thickness of 9.3mm, and weighs 15.5 grams.

Bit links with similar knopped oval loops can be found on the PAS database such as DENO-F25913, KENT-51CAAB and BERK-E359D4, although these do not have a similar central boss. Other examples have been illustrated by David Williams (2007, 5) including those with decorative bosses (e.g. figure 6b and d) within a discussion of 11th century horse harness fittings.