Finger ring with inscription
This silver ring dates to 1200-1400. It is inscribed ‘+ANNA . MATER . S MARIE’ which refers to St Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. The cult of St Anne celebrated both family life and literacy. She is often shown teaching Mary how to read, emphasising the importance of female education. Such a scene can be found in the Speke Chapel of Exeter Cathedral.
The ring was found by James Forster when metal-detecting near Axminster. It is a special find for him as it was found on his wedding anniversary.
The ring was found by James Forster when metal-detecting near Axminster. It is a special find for him as it was found on his wedding anniversary.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 80/2022
- Collection Class
- Devon archaeology
- Collection Area Region
- Northern Europe
- Material
- silver | | | |
- Common Name
- finger ring with inscription
- Simple Name
- ring (finger)
- Inscription Transcription
- +ANNA . MATER . S MARIE; saltire; cross
- Period Classification
- Medieval (1200-1500)
- Production Town
- Production Person Initials
- Production Person Surname
- Production Year Low
- 1200
- Production Year High
- 1400
