MEDIEVAL CARVING

1400

An almost complete alabaster figurine of a bird of Medieval date, probably fifteenth century (AD 1400 – AD 1500). Length 117mm, maximum width 46mm and maximum thickness 35mm. Weight 222.41g. The figurine has a number of small chips and part of the bird’s left wing is damaged and missing.This carved stylised bird has its head turned to one side and its wings folded. The relatively long tail is slightly splayed. An indistinct feature near the base of the tail may represent claws. The eyes are in the form of small circular indentations and two parallel incised lines around the neck are possibly intended to represent a collar. The bird has a short rounded beak. On the outer face of the surviving wing, the tail and other parts of the body are incised lines and small indentations to represent feathers. About mid-way along the outer face of the surviving wing are two transverse parallel lines but the purpose of these lines is unclear. The bird is integral with a mount which is convex at the front. This mount is wholly decorated with cross-hatched incised lines. A shallow groove extends all around the circumferential edge of the mount. The rear of the mount is flat and plain and has old and modern scuff marks.No analogy could be found by the recorder. Many religious objects were made of alabaster in Medieval times and it is possible that this carved bird is an effigy of the Dove as the Holy Spirit from the Trinity. The outline profile of the mount is coffin-shaped and the object may possibly have formed a lid for a miniature coffin which served as a small reliquary.Although the figurine has some minor modern damage and also some old breaks in the form of chips, it has a buff-coloured patina and is in fair condition. The material has minute traces of iron staining. However, this is barely visible.