File:Medieval, Zoomorphic Buckle (FindID 158101).jpg

English: Cast copper alloy zoomorphic buckle of probable Medieval date (1250-1450 AD). The buckle is irregular in plan with the buckle frame being rectangular from which an integral cast sub-rectangular bar projects and terminates in an oval pointed loop. The bar / shank is decorated with the head of either a dog or beast and the loop can be interpreted as a tongue. The integral cast bar contains the buckle pin (complete) which is hinged at the mid point between the frame and loop. The frame of the buckle is square in cross section. The pin is presumably held by an axis bar within the integral cast bar; this cannot be seen due to patina and external corrosion. The pin is present and has been cast in one piece. In shape the pin is rectangular and does not taper along its length. The pin rest consists of a rectangular recess in which the pin sits flush. The sub-rectangular bar / shank expands into a regular sub-rectangular (diamond shaped) loop. The loop is complete and there is little sign of wear. The loop, in profile narrows in thickness and can be described as recessed. It is likely that this would aid the attachment of a leather strap , or similar to the buckle. The buckle measures 43.9mm length, 27.7mm width, is 7.3mm thick and weighs 12.16 grams.

The buckle frame is undecorated and plain. The only evidence for elaboration on the frame is a slight rolled edge on the front face of the buckle and this may be functional rather than decorative. The shank in contrast is decorated with a stylised zoomorphic head of a beast possibly a hound. The decoration is limited to the upper side of the shank and consists of a series of cast arrows which create the affect of an elongated snout. These hachures extend from the pin junction and form a small recessed area for the eyes, and the long snout. At the junction of the snout and loop (tongue) a clear set of jaws can be seen. These create the illusion of the loop terminal being held by the pair of jaws. The loop is decorated with slight facets to the upper edge.

The buckle is a mid green colour with a thick but abraded patina. The buckle has been rolled in the ploughsoil and this abrasion has removed some of the patina, especially that seen on the exposed edges. Where this has occurred a light grey powdery corrosion product is present. A direct parallel has not been found for the buckle; however several similar buckles have been recorded by David Williams in ‘Recent Finds From Surrey,’ Surrey Archaeological Collections 86 (1999) p183-184 no 69-70. Williams suggests these buckles had a specific use – possible in connection with horse harness. They also bear a number of similarities to a number of buckles associated with spur fittings (see Clark: Medieval Horse and Its Equipment pages150-151). With these factors in mind a Medieval date is suggested here for this uncommon style of buckle.