A unique medieval gold seal depicting an elephant with a castle, discovered near King's Lynn, England, in 2020, has been acquired by the Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery. Dating from 1250 to 1350, it is one of only three documented gold seals, notable for having an engraving of an elephant. The seal's enigmatic inscription, once thought to be Latin, intrigued experts until it was deciphered as a French couplet. This find not only enriches the museum's collection but also deepens the understanding of medieval iconography and language.
The rare medieval gold seal depicting an elephant with a castle was discovered in Norfolk and has been acquired by the Norwich Castle Museum.
The seal, dating from 1250 to 1350, is one of only three gold seals documented in the Portable Antiquities Scheme database.
While the seal's inscription initially perplexed experts, it was later interpreted as a French rhyming couplet with a meaning related to a dragon or beast.
This significant find highlights the complexities of medieval artifacts and their inscriptions, offering insights into historical identities and languages.
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