EARLY MEDIEVAL MOUNT

700

An early medieval (Anglo Saxon) mount, late 6th-early 7th century. The mount is circular but is now distorted through post depositional damage. The mount has five rivet holes with two rivets in-situ. These have domed heads and lie opposite each other. The mount has a chipped carved decorative pattern on the surface in the form of an interlaced design with a circular motif at four points. There is interlacing between and mercury traced gilding of which a large amount still remains. Dimensions: diameter 66.21mm; thickness 1.21mm; weight 28.63g.The former use and provenance of this mount is currently the subject of discussion between experts. Suggestions for use include a horse-harness mount (Tania Dickinson) or a bag or book mount. It has also been suggested that it is an ecclesiastical piece of some sort, possibly fitting a book or piece of furniture (Jane Kershaw). Currently a parallel for the interlacing zoomorphic patterning cannot be found, but the geometric pattern is reminiscent of step designs in contemporary Irish sculpture and metalwork during the 7th and 8th Centuries (Jane Kershaw). John Blair agrees with an early Irish (and by extension Hiberno-Northumbrian) parallel and the possible ecclesiastical connections. Kevin Leahy comments that the 'Greek key' motif does occur on Anglo-Saxon metalwork of eighth century date and also may be seen on some of the stone carving at Breedon on the Hill, Leicestershire. Further research into this fascinating object is ongoing.