EARLY MEDIEVAL BROOCH

450

Anglo-Saxon cast copper alloy button brooch with a gilt surface. This brooch is an example of Avent and Evison Class Aii. Button brooches are circular in shape and resemble miniature saucer brooches, although the relationship between these two brooch classes is not clear. The brooch measurements and weight for this brooch are unknown. The brooch is in good condition, with only slight wear on some raised areas and on edge of rim. Bright yellow gilt survives on majority of the brooch face. The upturned rim is damaged around the edge. The upper face is decorated with a face-mask motif, which is comprised of 7 different elements. There is a pointed, but slightly rounded helmet possibly with beading along its length. Immediately below the helmet is the curved eyebrow element with slightly upturned ends. A narrow nose which flares out at the nostrils is attached to the centre of the eyebrow element. The rounded eyes have eye-rings situated below; the one on the left is curved and well placed, while the one on the right is not curved. The cheeks are full. The face has a narrow bar with an indent representing a slightly open mouth. There is further decoration surrounding the face-mask, comprised of a flat decorative border with a ring of incised zigzags surrounding the face. The details of the reverse of the brooch are unknown as they were not recorded on the original PAS record. The brooch is well made and bears a strong resemblance to Class Ai (especially Howletts 18.3, 18.4 and 18.5). However, the unsymmetrical eye-rings and the single bar mouth, instead of an open mouth with a moustache, places this brooch in class Aii.