Medieval seal matrix with face
Object number2024.014
TitleMedieval seal matrix with face
Description"A complete, copper alloy seal matrix of 13th – 14th century date.
The die face is of flat, vesica form and bears the following legend in Lombardic script: S’OFFICIALIEAGISSCI . AnDREE . A beaded border separates the legend from the engraved central motif – a male bust in profile, left (facing right when impressed in wax). The individual is depicted with rounded, jowelled features, a prominent semi-circular ear, and item of headwear which is likely intended as a mitre. A mullet (heraldically speaking) or five-pointed star sits beneath the bust. The reverse is plain, with an integrally cast rib and suspension loop. The Latin legend bears little punctuation, other than a single stop either side of ‘AnDREE’. It may be better interpreted as: S’ OFFICIALIE AGIS SCI AnDREE (Seal of the Official of Holy Saint Andrew(s)). This reading depends on the interpretation of AGIS as a contracted form of ‘agiius’ (with thanks to John Cherry for the suggestion) and SCI as a contracted form of ‘Sancti’. This, along with the likely identification of the headwear as a mitre, supports the identification of this matrix as a seal of an official of the St Andrews episcopal court. The find-spot of the seal matrix lies between Kintore and Inverurie, Aberdeenshire." Findspot: Inverurie
Object nameseal matrix
Materialcopper alloy
Dimensions
- width: 27.00 mm
height: 15.00 mm
length: 42.00 mm