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Early Medieval lead weight
Sub-oval lead weight inlaid with a fragment of ornamental enamelled copper alloy metalwork with most of the enamel now missing. The lead base has concave sides and is convergent to the top face with a sub-rectangular section. The mount is decorated with geometric motifs. The lower motif comprises three rectangular cells flanked on each corner with L-shaped cells, and separated by ribs defined by adjacent grooves. A number of the L-shaped cells contain remnants of yellow enamel. No trace of enamel survives in the central, rectangular cells. Above are two rows of rectangular cells and the mount was cut through the edge cells prior to being set into the lead. The cell at one end is larger and appears to have a raised border against the outer lead probably indicating a triangular cell. This terminal cell is also the only cell separated from its adjacent cell by a groove, suggesting a change in the decorative arrangement at this point. The upper row of rectangular cells are less well defined with examples, possibly also triangular or possibly unfinished. The cells were initially defined by drilling corners before the linear cuts joined the circular holes. These circular depressions are clearly evident in the majority of the cells. At the apex of the mount is a slight tongue projection with white-metal on the surface and, possibly indicating the mount was silvered or tinned
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Site Name: Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan