Decorative Fastener Head from Santa Clara (1564)

sketchfab

A four-centimeter diameter flower-shaped disc is molded from marine-strengthened resin, carefully crafted from concretion that had formed around an original iron artifact (97-2363a). The disc's top surface features a distinct central button, while its underside shows this button transformed into a rounded shaft. Despite the loss of most of the shank, the design implies that the piece is what remains of a decorative nail or tack. Such an ornate fastener likely adorned a chest or a piece of furniture aboard the 1564 galleon Santa Clara.