EARLY MEDIEVAL STRAP END

800

Middle to late Anglo-Saxon silver convex-sided strap-end of Thomas's Class A, Type 1. The shaped attachment end curves over two rivet holes with a small lobe in between; two dome-headed silver rivets survive in situ.The decoration has a reserved border around the edge, which curves around the main decorative panel, with an engraved line on both sides separating it from the outside edges, which have multiple transverse notches. There is a small, schematic trilobate motif between and below the rivets. The main panel of decoration is almost filled by an elongated seated beast, perhaps a bull or a lion, the body and legs facing right but with its raised head turned to the left. The beast is surrounded and pierced in four places by elaborately interlaced ribbon-like decoration. The engraving was originally inlaid with niello, traces of which survive.The moulded animal head terminal also has traces of inlaid niello. It has large circular ears, each with a C-shaped groove emphasising the upper edge. In the centre of the head is an engraved oval panel with two internal transverse lines, flanked by two trapezoidal panels containing oblique lines. The two circular eyes are both set with a black glass pellet. Slightly oblique lines define the blunt snout and nostrils which are represented by twin dot-like depressions. There are traces of an engraved doodle at the mid-point on the reverse comprising twin curved lines, and vertical lines of hammer marks behind the animal-head terminal.There is also a patch of copper corrosion, possibly traces of solder.Length 43mm. Width 14.5mm. Head 3mm thick. Body 2mm thick. Weighs 7.25g. 9th century.