Summary
Horse brass depicting a seated figure. There are two possible interpretations of its form. The most likely possibility is that it represents a Lincoln Imp which features cloven feet, one leg raised so the foot rests on the other knee, both hands holding the raised leg, open mouth with sharp teeth, cow ears and a hairy body. The second interpretation is that it may be a faun which is, according to the "Dictionary of Superstitions and Mythology" by B. Bonnerjea (1928), "an Italian deity of the fields and woods represented as having human form with pointed ears, small horns and some times a goat's tail or as half goat and half man". Kidney shaped border. Type: cast brass. Comments: there is a mark on the back right hand side possibly made by a grinding wheel. Date: 1824-1939.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr W. J. Haysom, 30 Jun 1982
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Date Made
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Classification
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Discipline
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Type of item
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References
[Link 1] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 2] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 3] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH [Link 4] viewed, 23.05.2008 LDH
[Book] Chevalier, Jean & Gheerbrant, Alain. 1994. The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols., 1994
[Digital Medium] Horsebrass Era. 2007. Illustrated Guide to Horse Brasses., 2007
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Keywords
Amulets, Animals, Cultural Beliefs, Folklore, Harnesses, Heraldry, Horse Brasses, Rituals, Souvenirs, Symbols