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STAFF
Unique ID: DENO-7D8388
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A copper alloy finial originally attached to a cross-staff or similar, dating to the medieval period (c. 11th-12th centuries AD).
The object is composed of an intricate lattice-style openwork sphere, with interlacing lines forming lozenge-shaped holes. Each crossing point is decorated with a raised knob; these vary in size and shape, but are all broadly spherical. The top of the object, where the lattice meets in a central point, is decorated with five of these knobs, four smaller topped with one larger, irregular example.
The openwork body meets a base comprising four thicker vertical bands and four irregularly-sized gaps, one of which extends into the collar. The base of the object tapers inwards slightly and then flares out into a collar on the bottom edge. The collar is circular and flat, so that the object stands unsupported. This gap would have served as the attachment hole for the original cross-staff.
It is possible that these objects were ecclesiastical in nature, suggested by a similar example from Wixford, Warwickshire which was found close to a church (Bailey, 1994: 172, fig. 3). Other interpretations have suggested that these objects were sword pommels, although this identification has since been largely dismissed (London Museum, Medieval Catalogue, 1954: 23, no. 2).
Cf. BH-B64636.
Notes:
Though the object recorded here is more likely to be associated with the church, not royal regalia, parallels can be drawn with images of lower sceptre terminals in later medieval art:
Fifteenth century rood screen panel at Nayland Church, Suffolk, depicting Edward the Confessor.
Sixteenth century alabaster relief depicting Christ before Herod (V&A, Sculpture Collection: A.101-1946).
See also: The coronation of Harold (Bayeux Tapestry, c. 11th century AD).
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: County / local importance
Class: globular
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1000
Date to: Circa AD 1200
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 54.91 mm
Width: 48.32 mm
Weight: 76.93 g
Diameter: 30.06 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 15th October 2019
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Derby E9071
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Derbyshire (County)
District: Derbyshire Dales (District)
Parish or ward: Parwich (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SK1956
Four figure Latitude: 53.10086436
Four figure longitude: -1.71768348
1:25K map: SK1956
1:10K map: SK15NE
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey, S. | 1994 | Two copper alloy cross-staff heads from Warwickshire | London | Society for Medieval Archaeology | p. 172 | fig. 3 | |
| London Museum | 1954 | Medieval Catalogue | London | H.M.S.O. | p. 23 | no. 2 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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