File:Early Medieval, Bracelet Unidentified Object (FindID 268748).jpg

English: Incomplete fragment of a cast copper alloy unknown artefact, most probably the terminal of a bracelet or armlet of early medieval date, probably 8th - 12th century (750-1100 AD) being Anglo-Scandinavian in design. The terminal is best described as being zoomorphic in style. The fragment measures 56.1mm length, is a maximum of 15.9mm wide and a maximum 11.2mm thick. It weighs 19.83 grams.

The fragment is irregular in plan and profile expanding from a sub-triangular (D shaped) section. The internal edge has a very pronounced curve, whist the outer edge is more angular in nature. The break is relatively unabraded and may be a result of movement in the soil. Near the break the fragment is relatively narrow with very sharp (slightly faceted) sides. From here it expands slightly in width and also thickness along its length. At a point ¾ along the length the fragment narrows considerably. It is at this point that much of the decoration is present. This decoration is positioned on the two outer edges and consists of a series of both cast and chip-carved motifs. These form what is best described as a beasts (possibly a cat or dog's) head. The cast elements are mostly geometric lozenges, which form the ears, eyes, nose and mouth. Each of these is embellished with incised or chip carved lines. The overall feel of the design is abstract. From this dramatic narrowing a small sub-triangular projection extends. This is sub-rectangular in cross section and tapers in thickness to a wide edge. In shape it forms what may be best described as a tongue which extends from the mouth of the beast behind. The tongue is not decorated and would form the terminal of the bracelet (if that is what this fragment is from).

The artefact has a dark green coloured patina which is well formed and preserved. In places a light green active corrosion is present; this occurs where the item has been damaged in the ploughsoil. A series of deep patinated diagonal lines can seen on the internal edges, this may be the preservation of file marks.

A small number of similar shaped artefact with similar designs have been recorded with the PAS, most have broken close to the terminal, possibly suggesting a design flaw in their manufacture. Examples include NMS-7F8CD6, SF-A3F064. Ongoing research into this artefact type is being organised by Peter Reavill at present - it is hoped that a national distribution can be found for these and the artefact linked with a type on the continent. A complete example has yet to be discovered. They have been recorded as styli, bracelets and a number of different artefact types. It is hoped ongoing research will qualify the type and variations within the corpus.