EARLY MEDIEVAL BROOCH

450

Anglo-Saxon cast copper alloy Avent and Evison Class A miscellaneous button brooch with a gilt surface; the extent of gilding that remains on the surface is unknown, due to identification from a black and white photograph. Button brooches are circular in shape and resemble miniature saucer brooches, although the relationship between these two brooch classes is not clear. The brooch is in good condition, except for the shallow, upturned rim, which only partially survives. It is 16mm in diameter, however all other measurements and weights remain unknown. The upper face is decorated with a face-mask motif, which is comprised of 7 different elements. There is a very small pointed helmet with slightly upturned ends. A curved eyebrow unit with upturned ends is situated immediately below the helmet. A wide nose that flares out very slightly at the nostrils is attached to the centre of the eyebrow element. The large rounded eyes are uneven in size, with the left being slightly larger than the right. There are no eye-rings, with the area beneath the eyes being almost completely filled with large curved cheeks. The right cheek has been damaged in the centre. The area below the cheeks is filled with a large, open mouth comprised of two curved bars of equal length. There is a decorative border surrounding the face-mask, which is comprised of four concentric rings. The outer ring, closest to the rim, is an incised line, while the remaining three rings are formed of punchmarks. The two rings closest to the face-mask are made of small circular punches; however these are not well placed as the punches to the lower left run into each other. The outer ring of punchmarks is formed of larger circles, and some punches appear to have been misplaced, especially at the apex of the ring. The details of the reverse of the brooch are unknown as they were not recorded on the original PAS record.