MEDIEVAL MOUNT

1100

Early Medieval copper alloy probable casket mount, measuring 60.3x19.7x(max)5mm and weighing 24.44g.The mount is oval in shape and convex to the front (decorated) surface, and mostly hollow to the reverse (the edges are thickened). It depicts two separate beasts, each with its own limbs intertwined. At either end of the mount is a rivet hole (both rivets missing), around which a tail or limb curves.Each beast lies - raised - on the surface of the mount, with the heads being the highest (and thickest) part. The heads lie at the centre, parallel on a slight diagonal, each facing in an opposite direction. One beast appears slightly longer (and thinner) than the other. The most prominent part of each beast is the snout, brow ridge and ears. The snout extends slightly beyond the edge.Much of the original surface has been lost, although a few patches of thick patina survive, in particular behind the head of the beast. This surface is now blackened, but also shiny, suggesting a silver or niello coating.The mount can be broadly compared to one from Crewkerne, Somerset (SOMDOR-ED0DC0), which is openwork and without rivet holes, though is of a very similar shape. This is 11th century in date. However, Kevin Leahy, PAS National Finds Adviser, comments: I think that it is likely that this piece is quite late, probably 12th century, the interlace looking like that which we see on some Romanesque sculpture.