File:Post-Medieval to Modern Zoomorphic Buckle (FindID 235736).jpg

English: A complete cast copper alloy zoomorphic buckle frame with central bar of Post-Medieval or Modern date. The frame is pointed oval shaped and the exterior edges are formed by bull's head terminals. The terminals are convex with concave backs and consist of the head of a bull/ox in plan. The bulls have rounded snouts at the exterior edge with incised semi-circles representing the nostrils. The snout has concave moulding and extends back to two prominent raised eyes. The eyes themselves are circular and surrounded by incised circles and semi-circles to represent the eyelids and eyebrows. The top of the bulls' head has concave and convex moulding to give the impression of the brow, and is decorated with many short incised wavy lines that extend from the top of the bull's head towards the eyes and represent his hair/coat. The top of the heads form the interior edge of the buckle frame and are rounded in shape. At the point where the terminals/heads join the frame ears project to either side. These are semi-circular in shape, moulded with central depressions and decorated with incised wavy lines to represent the bull's hair. Extending along the sides of the frame towards the middle and backwards from the bull's head are small moulded horns. The frame itself is square in section and expands slightly at the middle.

A central bar is attached to the underside of the frame and is circular in section. This has a flat copper alloy pin that is rectangular in section and folded around the bar at one end. It terminates in a triangular point. Still attached to the pin are the remains of a leather strap. Two sections of strap, one on top of the other, are curved over the central bar and held in place by the pin. They measure 18.36mm in width and 3.51mm in thickness. There is some damage to the upper of the two strap fragments, which has been partially cut diagonally. Both straps terminate in old breaks.

The back of the frame is concave and each end mirrors the shape of the bulls head terminals. The central bar projects prominently. There is no evidence of decoration on the back of the frame.

The entire buckle frame measures 93.84mm in width, 40.04mm in height, 9.40mm in thickness at the central bar, and weighs 58.22g.

A close parallel to this very unusual example has yet to be identified. However, the form of the buckle, combined with the preserved sections of leather strap suggest a Post-Medieval to Modern date. It is likely that this buckle dates to between the 18th and 20th centuries AD.