Category:

Artefact

Find Title:

High Medieval anthropomorphic leash swivel

Please add a description of your find, add as much detail as possible. Also include the PAS reference number where possible, if it has been added to the database.:

I have resubmitted this from last week as I thought I didn’t give enough detail High-Medieval Anthropomorphic Leash SwivelSummary: Complete, exceptionally rare copper-alloy dog leash swivel. Dates to the High Medieval period (c. 1150–1300 AD). Found in Twyford, Winchester.The Rings: Both loops feature highly stylized, molded Gothic acanthus leaves or foliate buds. Faint, microscopic remnants of original mercury fire-gilding are visible deep within the recessed grooves.The Terminals: The loop connectors show two entirely distinct, masterful casting designs:Top: Cast as a distinct clenched human fist with engraved finger lines.Bottom: A lozenge-shaped block finely incised with a trefoil/fleur-de-lis motif.The Body: The central collar forms an anthropomorphic (human) face. It features classic Romanesque/Gothic traits: almond eyes, a triangular nose, a broad crescent smile, and a distinct horizontal hairline/forehead band.Mechanical Status: Astoundingly, after 700+ years in the soil, the internal pins are unbroken. All joints still swivel 360 degrees fully and freely.Age & Rarity: Circa 12th–13th century. Most PAS database examples are found broken or frozen. I believe this is a find of national archeological importance