EARLY MEDIEVAL STRAP FITTING

1000

Incomplete 'socketed hook' strap fitting. It is hollow and conical, with a curved hook (originally a near-loop) at the pointed end. The wider base is circular in cross-section and formed from a ring which at the front is expanded into a rounded cross shape. There is no engraving here, but on better-preserved versions there is an engraved outline cross with rounded angles. One arm of the cross shape extends upwards, and there is a corresponding strut stretching upwards on the reverse. These two meet at the top where either side has a concave moulding. Above this is the curved hook, triangular in cross section and with an abraded, broken tip. The engraving on parallels is in Ringerike style and dates these objects to the 11th century.