Plaque. Dimensions: D. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm)
W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
H. 5 13/16 in. (14.8 cm). Date: 7th-8th century.
These plaques, one with an unusual purple hue, were attached to wooden furniture with nails or pegs. They are made from the cylindrical shafts of animal bones sawn in half and carved on the smooth outer side. Both examples have the same motif: two vines twisted together that blossom into leaves at their tops under a pointed arch.