Mourning rings honouring post-medieval dead, emblazoned with skulls and crosses, declared archaeological treasure in Wales

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Post-medieval mourning revealed in skulls and inscriptions on three rings found by archaeologists

This early post-medieval ring is emblazoned with death’s stylized skull on the outside of its misshapen, flattened hoop. The inscription reads ‘A. E. obijt 30 Jan’ 17034’ – A. E. died 30th January 1703/4.

Found by a metal detectorist at Hundleton in November 2013, its inner face reads J. A. ob 25 July 98 aeta 37 – J. A. died 25th July ..98 aged 37.

“The skull or death’s head is a motif which occurs on the earliest mourning rings, dating to the 15th century,” explains Dr Mark Redknap, of National Museums Wales.

“The motif remained popular thought the 17th century. A metal detectorist found it in Kidwelly in May 2013.

This silver ring dates from the 15th or early 16th century. A circular bezel is engraved with a merchant’s mark, and the shoulder bears a tau cross – associated with St Anthony, possibly representing a continuing connection with the Antonine hospitals which devoted themselves to the treatment of the disease known as St Anthony’s fire, or ignis sacer.

“It corresponds in date with that of other rings bearing this symbol, coinciding with the popularity of the Antonines in England and Wales from the mid-15th century to the early 16th century,” says Dr Redknap.

It was found in March last year at Haverfordwest, five months after a silver gilt religious ring had been found in the region, displaying a ridged bezel of facets engraved with three words, each on a separate facet of the rectangular bezel: ihs (between simplified sprigs) ave maria (in Black Letter script).

“It is a fine example of personal devotion on a finger ring,” says Dr Redknap. “As the rings are commemorative, they post-date the date of death. But they are likely to have been engraved within a short period.”

The finds have been declared treasures by the Coroner for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire District. Carmarthenshire Museum will acquire the Kidwelly ring.

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Three museums to see Welsh history in

Old Bell Museum, Montgomery
Eleven rooms here house displays illustrating the long social and civic history of the ancient County Town of Montgomeryshire. There are permanent exhibitions relating to the medieval and Norman castles and their archaeological excavations, with excellent scale models of both.

Oriel Ynys Môn, Anglesey
The centre's atmospheric Heritage Gallery which presents a vivid account of the island's past through sound, imagery, reconstructions and real artefacts.

St Fagans: National History Museum, Cardiff
One of Europe's largest and most exciting open-air museums, containing centuries of Welsh social history gathered together in 100 acres of beautiful countryside.

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/archaeology/art535115-mourning-rings-honouring-post-medieval-dead-emblazoned-skulls-crosses-archaeological-treasure-wales