MEDIEVAL BROOCH

1200

Less than half a medieval copper alloy annular framed brooch broken across the pin constriction. The frame, of rectangular cross-section, is engraved on both broad faces with Lombardic lettering, the characters separated by small areas of rocker-arm engraving. On one face, beginning after the pin constriction: X A V E M A R The would have continued I A G R A C I A P L E N A, meaning "Hail Mary full of grace", though the inscription would have finished earlier through lack of space. On the other face, ending at the pin constriction ] R E N V S R E X This would have been preceded by I E S V S N A Z A, the whole meaning "Jesus the Nazarene (or of Nazareth) King". The full reading would have finished with I V D E O R V M meaning "of the Jews", but again there was insufficient room on the brooch for this. Presumably the object could have been worn with either face exhibited. Diameter 40mm. Width and thickness of frame 6 - 6.5mm and 1.6 - 1.8mm. 13th - 14th century.It is interesting to note that this is the second inscription from this parish to have included the word Nazarenus, as "of Nazareth" was expressed in the medieval Latin version of the Bible (the Vulgate). See Goodall, A.R. in Rogerson et al. 1987, 28, fig. 25 no. 2 for a graffito on a pewter pattern from a priest's grave.