ANCIENT CARVED STONE ANCHOR
of striking sculptural presence
South Devon coast, C1st BC
£485
Dimensions
L 40 (16") H 20 (8") D 14 cm (5.5")
Description
Picked out by a boatsman on the south Devon coast one day over two thousand years ago for its shape and weight, he then chipped and filed off a flattened base and patiently pierced the flank using an animal's legbone as a drill bit, hour after hour after hour. Then, when threaded through with the rope this lovely stone finally transformed from passive bystander to active use as an anchor for the first of many journeys, storms and adventures.
Its added bonus, whether intentional or not (I can hardly believe it wasn't, or was at least recognised as such from the outset), is that it is so evocative of a horse's or even a sea creature's head - that it is now, in restful retirement, equally enjoyable as a powerful sculptural presence, experienced, peaceful, wise and stylish - with no doubt many tales to tell. Ancient mariners indeed.
Stock No. 2019
