Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/121

bound them together with the bronze rim, and hoop handle, remained united; height, 41/4 inches; diameter, 41/4 inches The usual bicornute ornaments were wanting in this example. The handle is ornamented with small impressed markings. A large cruciform bronze fibula, chased and gilt, lay upon the right breast; this fibula is 51/2 inches long, the broader portion is of oblong form, measuring 11/4 inch long by 23/4 inches wide, connected with the lower part by an arch, probably for receiving the folds of the garment. The general type of the ornamentation is the same as on the brooches of the same form from Wilbraham and Fairford; see plate 6, No. 43, "Saxon Obsequies"; plate 3, fig. 2, "Fairford Graves." The acus had been of iron. The most remarkable feature in this example, is that there are three distinct and prominent grotesque heads; one at the bottom, within the circle which terminates the stem, and a smaller head at each end of the rib which is carried over the intermediate arch. Two large bronze circular fibulæ lay also upon the right breast. For their shape, see "Fairford Graves," plate 3, fig 4. They are exactly similar, measuring 21/2 inches in diameter, and slightly scyphate; they are covered by thin plates of bronze ornament in slight relief. The acus of each had been of the same metal. 114 beads lay about the collar bones; all these, excepting seven of green glass, are of amber. Four silver or white metal finger-rings lay among the beads; one of these is a plain band 1/4 of an inch only in diameter, and it could hardly admit a finger; the extremities disunited and overlapping one another. One is similarly constructed, but larger, and the third and fourth are of stout wire, one being fitted with slides for the purpose of diminishing or enlarging the circumference, so as to fit the finger as required. (See annular ornaments thus formed, "Saxon Obsequies," plate 11; "Fairford Graves," plate 9.) A pair of small plain studs or buttons of bronze layby the right wrist; a large bronze buckle was found also by the right wrist. A massive sort of ring, with a singular projection or peg springing from its inner circumference, lay by the left thigh; from the peg, when found, depended a slender key or picker of bronze attached by a ring at one end. Beneath the peg, in the thickest part of the metal, are two narrow slits, possibly for receiving the blade of a knife or shears, though none were found. This