Description
Carolingian-Style Strap-End (LIN-9A2879)
A copper-alloy strap-end found near Osbournby, Lincolnshire
It has been suggested this this strap-end came from a sword harness and, therefore, is classed as Thomas’s Class E, Type 1. The strap-end bears Carolingian-style relief decoration of a palmette set within a stylised plant with acanthus foliage and brush-like leaves. It does now show any evidence of gilding. Carolingian belt fittings from England could have been imported either indirectly through Scandinavia or directly from the Continent. It is possible that this strap end was brought over by Scandinavians as a result of their raids on the continent. Gabor Thomas suggests that the localisation of similar types of strap ends, known as Aspatria-type, in the Irish Sea region could indicate that they were worn by Scandinavian communities in that area.
Object Type
- Strap end
Date
- circa 875 — 1000
Style
Ascribed Culture
Original/Reproduction
- Original
Material
Collection
- Viking Objects
Current Location
- Private Ownership
Keywords
- Anglo-Scandinavian, belt_fitting, Carolingian, copper_alloy, Lincolnshire, Portable_Antiquities_Scheme, strap_end
Further information
You can see the original at Private Ownership.
Acknowledgements
(c) Portable Antiquities Scheme, CC BY-SA 2.0
References
Thomas, Gabor. “A survey of late Anglo-Saxon and Viking-Age strap-ends from Britain.” PhD diss., University of London, 2000.
Thomas, Gabor. “Carolingian culture in the North Sea world: rethinking the cultural dynamics of personal adornment in Viking-Age England.” European Journal of Archaeology 15, no. 3 (2012): 486-518.