DESClilPTlOX OF AX AXTKH'E PLA(,)rF 



]X REPorssE. 



I=X.ATE I. 



By H. L. DAVIS. 



[Ui'ild licfdi-f titc Hm/iil Sdcicti/ (i/ (JiiccnxliOliI, l^ith -Itiiir, 1S07.] 



This interesting specimen of hammered metal only recently 

 came into its present OAvner's possession. Its original owner 

 furnished no particulars respecting its history beyond intima- 

 tion '* that it had been in bis family's possession for two or 

 three generations." 



The Plaque is circular in form, twenty-one inches in cir- 

 cumference, and oxidised to a dark brown hue, its appearance 

 indicating that it may have lain buried with hidden treasure 

 many centuries. The oxide coating has crumbled away in places, 

 otherwise the Plaque is in fair preservation, the design in bold 

 relief and finely executed. 



The subject depicted is evidently an incident recorded in the 

 Old Testament (1 Haml., xvi) which must have taken place 

 about the year 1017, b.c, and represents the prophet Samuel 

 anointing the shepherd lad David. 



The future King of Isiael is seen in centre of the Phujue on 

 his knees, with his left hand on Samuel's thigh, a position 

 similar to that in which Abraham's servant took the oath of 

 fealty (Gen. xxiv, v 8 & 4). The prophet is pouring the sacred 

 oil from a ram's horn, on to David's head. 



The prophet wears the priest's cap, and is arrayed in the 

 loose flowing garments of the period, his robe reaching to his 

 feet which are shod with sandals. David wears a loose robe, the 



