From Church of St Mary, Caithness
This is an electrotype of the seal matrix of the Chapter of Caithness Cathedral in Dornoch. It dates from the 13th century.
The pointed oval matrix has the Latin inscription 'S. CAPITILI: ECCE: DEI: GENETRICIS: MARIE: CATANENSIS'. This translates as 'Seal of the chapter of the church of Mary, Mother of God, Caithness'.
The seals fixed to church documents were usually made of beeswax, softened by heat and attached with a cord or tag to a document. A mould (matrix) was used to make the impression in soft wax.
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