Bound together

robfinds · Jul 6, 2009

This nice medieval seal 13th/14th century is a pasture field find. The device shows two bound hands and a bird. There's two theories on what it means. Some think it shows the bound hands of an executed person, the bird being a carion bird. The over theory says it shows two hands bound in love , with the bird pecking at there love.

HH Robert.

shaun7 · Jul 6, 2009

thats really nice Rob! you've been getting some great stuff from pasture and woods lately :thumbsup:

I've got loads of pasture and woods near me but just no good finds from them

CRUSADER · Jul 6, 2009

Definately a 'TOP' pasture find :icon_thumright:

GL · Jul 6, 2009

Two countries bound with peace?

robfinds · Jul 6, 2009

shaun7 said:
thats really nice Rob! you've been getting some great stuff from pasture and woods lately

I've got loads of pasture and woods near me but just no good finds from them

There will be some good finds Shaun, it's just finding the bl--dy things.

shaun7 · Jul 6, 2009

robfinds said:
shaun7 said:

thats really nice Rob! you've been getting some great stuff from pasture and woods lately

I've got loads of pasture and woods near me but just no good finds from them

Click to expand...

There will be some good finds Shaun, it's just finding the bl--dy things.

i know your right Rob, i think Crusader has just spoilt me

Silver Searcher · Jul 6, 2009

Cracking seal Rob :headbang:

is it complete :icon_scratch:

DCMatt · Jul 6, 2009

Cool seal! Can we get a better pic?

DCMatt

robfinds · Jul 6, 2009

Silver Searcher said:
Cracking seal Rob is it complete

Just a bit of damage on the loop, it's a chess piece type.

robfinds · Jul 6, 2009

DCMatt said:
Cool seal! Can we get a better pic?

DCMatt

I will try to take a less blurred one tomorrow Matt.

davesx · Jul 6, 2009

lovely seal :icon_thumleft:

that's one find on my wish list.
Dave.

jrsherman · Jul 6, 2009

That is an awesome seal Rob, thanks for showing it!!

DCMatt · Jul 6, 2009

robfinds said:
DCMatt said:

Cool seal! Can we get a better pic?

DCMatt

Click to expand...

I will try to take a less blurred one tomorrow Matt.

I want to see the markings around the edge.

Where did you get your two theories on what it might represent?

The bound hands could represent "Ecce homo" (Behold the man). These were the words used by Pontius Pilate in reference to Jesus (wearing the crown of thorns and with His hands bound) before the Crucifixion. It was a popular artistic theme of the time. I'm also curious if the bird might be a dove (peace & purity) or a blackbird (temptation of the flesh).

On the other hand (no pun intended) ::)

there was also "handfasting" or "tying the knot" during marriage ceremonies back then....

VERY interesting piece. Looking forward to a better pic.

DCMatt

robfinds · Jul 7, 2009

Re: Bound together, better pics. more info.

Hello Matt, here's some more pictures. Also the article from the Searcher magazine June 2005 by Ms I H Szymanski.

HH Robert.

DCMatt · Jul 7, 2009

Robert,

Thanks for the better pics. I must say though, I still can't make out the inscription. Does it say "PRIVE SV"? If so, I don't see it. And trying to read the article - YIKES. I need to visit my optometrist now!

I did some poking around on the symbols. I'm going to agree with the love/friend theory. Hands crossed and tied to represent relationship/marriage. The bird is rather nondescript but if it is a love seal, I'd guess it is a crow - which represented a long and monogamous life in Medieval times.

Very cool piece. I'd love a chance to find one myself. Of course, that won't happen in Virginia... :crybaby2:

DCMatt

P.S. What happened with the Pope Urban V seal? Any news?

shaun7 · Jul 7, 2009

Rob didn't you find one recently and stamp it into something like blue tack to show the impression?

i know somebody did

DavidBeard · Jul 7, 2009

Great find Rob :hello2:

I hope you didn't get caught in that storm - I had to run off the field twice yesterday!!!

robfinds · Jul 7, 2009

DCMatt said:
Robert,

Thanks for the better pics. I must say though, I still can't make out the inscription. Does it say "PRIVE SV"? If so, I don't see it. And trying to read the article - YIKES. I need to visit my optometrist now!

I did some poking around on the symbols. I'm going to agree with the love/friend theory. Hands crossed and tied to represent relationship/marriage. The bird is rather nondescript but if it is a love seal, I'd guess it is a crow - which represented a long and monogamous life in Medieval times.

Very cool piece. I'd love a chance to find one myself. Of course, that won't happen in Virginia...

DCMatt

P.S. What happened with the Pope Urban V seal? Any news?

Hello Matt, can't tell what it says to be honest. Pity about the article it looked very clear until posted.