Silver Annular Brooch

Description

Silver annular brooch, with a rhomboid shaped frame; the pin is lost. The two sides opposite the pin seat each bear a panel of probably stamped decoration. This may be intended to resemble lettering, being formed of letter-like forms in which O, and H or N or R predominate. A 'transcript' would seem - depending obviously on orientation - to read: A O H O H O H O A / O H O H O H O H O H, which would be more symmetrical than meaningful as a legend. The inclusion of Alpha and Omega [A O] might be significant, as might a vague phonetic allusion to the sacred name Yahweh. However, when a medieval craftsman sought to invoke personalities or spirits, he could usually draw on more convincing versions of Hebrew or Biblical names than appear here.

Object number

NOLMS:2024.067

Object

Brooch
Annular Brooch

Production date

1200 - 1400
Medieval

Material

Silver (Metal)

Dimensions

Length: 17.6mm
Width: 17.8mm
Depth: 0.8mm
Weight: 0.51g

Provenance

North Ormsby (Lincolnshire/United Kingdom)
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