CLASP 246021

Description: A cast, copper alloy zoomorphic double hooked clasp. The body of the clasp is in the form of two outward facing animal heads separated by a squared central knop on the upper surface. The necks of the beast heads are decorated with cast chevrons pointing outwards. The heads are cast in the round and have ears set at the sides of the heads, a raised brow with slight eye recesses, elongated and ridged mussels and two nostril holes on the snub-ended snouts. The ears and nostrils contain an off-white material which might be degraded enamel or paste. The mouths are slightly open and projecting from both are two long, sharply pointed hooks (four in total). The clasp is slightly bent out of shape. Date: Early Medieval – 11th to 12th century Dimensions: 61.16 mm x 5.10 mm x 4.13 mm Weight: 3.95 g Geoff Egan has identified this is an early version of a much later type of clasp which appears in the 13th century in London and may have developed into early 16th century types (see Read, B, 2008, “Hooked Clasps & Eyes”, page 146, Class G.

Date: 1050 - 1200

Object type: CLASP

Last import: August 15, 2017