EARLY MEDIEVAL HARNESS FITTING

1000

An early medieval Anglo-Scandinavian copper alloy horse harness fitting, a link or strap distributor. There is a lozenge loop with three rounded knops projecting from the sides at each end. The two loops join the central part of the harness by a narrow and straight shaft. The central part of this harness has three large holes and a Ringerike style decoration: an animal is shown in profile, his head is looking back over his body, his tail is in his mouth, his neck is decorated with hear shown by three cured strands, the body is decorated with incised lines. A flat strip is riveted to the lower hole.The Ringerike style is used for most of the 11th century.Drawing reference: LEAHY K., 2007. The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Lindsey, Chalford, p. 174, fig. 75.5.