MEDIEVAL SEAL MATRIX

1301

Medieval copper alloy circular seal matrix with a hexagonal handle terminating in a pierced loop. The matrix itself is 18.6mm in diameter and the object stands 19mm in height. It weighs 6.85g.The loop is oval in shape and 6mm wide. The piercing is 3mm in diameter. Just below is a rib 1.7mm wide. Three tiny punched circles in a triangle formation at the base of one of the hexagonal facets shows where the legend begins on the matrix.The matrix depicts a fox with a crozier preaching to three geese (two large and one small) beside a branch, within a beaded border. Around this the legend reads *PENSETOEMOYEIEDEW'. A beaded border flanks the outside edge. The legend translates as Think (of) T... de W' - 'of' somewhere beginning with a W.Minor English Wood Sculpture by Arthur Gardner shows a wood carving from South Brent depicting a fox dressed as a bishop and preaching to birds. Another comparison is a secular badge in the Salisbury & South Wiltshire Medieval Catalogue Part 2 by Brian Spencer (page 114 no.215, fig.303). This is described as a fox preaching to geese and shows a fox with two geese in rapt attention and another two asleep, possibly lulled by the sermon. Another goose however is caught under the fox's belt. Spencer suggests this reflects the proverb 'When the fox preaches, beware your geese'. The scene was often used to express a hypocrisy of the religious establishment, or was also construed as symbolising the way in which the Devil uses his cunning to trap unsuspecting souls (Spencer p.115). Parts of badges identical to that in the Salisbury Catalogue have been found in London.14th century in date.