[MR] BBC: Mystery Saxon Object

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Today the BBC features a brief story on a mysterious Saxon decorative
object. It is a mystery because nobody knows how it might have been used.
The cap for a staff has been suggested.

The object is a small flattened metal dome less than 3/4" across, just a
bit smaller than a modern soft drink bottle cap. [Hmmm. Did Coca-cola come
in bottles during Saxon times?] Seriously, how about a decorative stopper
top for a perfume or oil bottle?

It is gilded and incised with swirling patterns similar to motifs seen in
the Lindisfarne Gospels or the Book of Kells, and features a
backward-facing animal, possibly a stylized horse.

The mystery object was found by a metal detectorist in Norfolk, and is
expected to be declared treasure.

You can draw your own conclusions at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-67750556 .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.