STRAP END 33488

Description: Cast copper-alloy strap-end with openwork decoration. Sub-rectangular with rounded corners. Within a plain border, a symetrical plant grows from the main stem at the top. Any further decorative detail has been worn away. . There are three rivet holes on the base, one of which is broken. Two ?iron rivets intact. Dull, patchy red/brown patina. The shape of this example is a little unusual - strap-ends of this type are generally tongue-shaped, rather than rectangular. The decoration on this strap-end is a simplified and stylised version of that seen on examples from Winchester (Hinton in Biddle 1990, 494-500 nos. 1056, 1060). The form of plant stem decoration is seen in 11th century manuscripts such as a Winchcombe psalter and the Old English Hexateuch.

Date: 900 - 1000

Object type: STRAP END

Last import: August 15, 2017