Casgliadau Arlein

Silver double hooked fastener with circular plate divided into quadrants with central beaded moulding flanked by plain mouldings, forming an encircled cross. There are two opposed collared hooks (one now broken). Each quadrant is incised with a different design: a back-biting beast (highly stylised); a bird in profile; addorsed bird heads (heads indicated by dots for eyes); a design resembling bird beaks conjoined at tips. There are no traces of niello visible to the naked eye. The back of the circular plate is plain. The hooked tag reflects an abstract aspect of the Trewhiddle style of Anglo-Saxon ornamental metalwork of the second half of the ninth century.