An Irish copper-alloy strap-end found near Swinhope, Lincolnshire. (c) Portable Antiquities Scheme, CC BY-SA 2.0
Description
Irish Strap-End (NLM-A30415)
An Irish copper-alloy strap-end found near Swinhope, Lincolnshire
This Irish-type strap-end has been classified as a Thomas Class F strap-end. One of the panels seems to have retained a possible reticulated interlace pattern while the inner area is decorated with six dots of inlay. Its manufacture is possibly traced to Dublin between c. 950-1050 and it is likely linked to Viking distribution of Irish artefacts. Strap-ends came in various styles and were fairly common throughout the Viking world. They were used to decorate the ends of belts and to stop them getting damaged.
