Rights Holder: Suffolk County Council
CC License:
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: SF-BF7E7F
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A copper-alloy Medieval seal matrix, dating to AD 1300-1400. It is flat and pointed oval in plan. It has a pierced protruding circular loop at the back of one of the pointed end; the loop is set at right angle to the face of the matrix. The matrix itself has a central motif depicting a pelican feeding her young birds with blood dripping from her own breast; the inscription reads + SVM PELICANVS DEI ('I am the Pelican of God').
The pelican in her piety was a symbol of Christ's sacrifice; it is one of the religious motifs which were popular during the 14th century. See other examples on PAS: SWYOR-EB3934, HAMP-8DF957.
Length: 28.92 mm
Width: 18.83 mm
Thickness: 2.79 mm
Weight: 5.70 g
Inscription:
+ SVM PELICANVS DEI
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Length: 28.92 mm
Width: 18.83 mm
Thickness: 2.79 mm
Weight: 5.7 g
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 9th October 2019
This information is restricted for your access level.
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Incised or engraved or chased
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.