MEDIEVAL HARNESS PENDANT

1150

An incomplete copper-alloy harness pendant of Medieval date.The pendant consists of a circular plate with a domed central portion and two of an original four rounded lobes projecting from the outer edge. Crescent-shaped punchmarks around the perimeter have been used to define a plain, star-shaped central area. Traces of gilding and silvering are visible on the corroded surface. The perforated loop is located at the centre of the top side, extending upwards at 90 degrees.Dimensions: 40.1mm high, 32mm wide, 7.5mm deep. Weight: 7.01g.Steven Ashley illustrates several similar pendants from Norfolk, which he dates from the mid 12th century onwards (2002: 6-7/fig. 6, cf. no. 12). Ashley also highlights the possibility that the star motifs on these pendants may be representations of Halley's comet. The appearance of the comet in 1066 is recorded on the Bayeux tapestry and at the time was popularly linked with the events of the Norman conquest (ibid. 7), with the motif perhaps subsequently used as a symbol of good fortune.