Purse Cover From Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

The Sutton Hoo ship burial, discovered in Suffolk, England in 1939, remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in British history. Among the myriad of treasures unearthed from this early 7th-century Anglo-Saxon burial, the purse cover stands out as a particularly exquisite example of early medieval craftsmanship, offering invaluable insights into the art, culture, and societal structure of the period. This article delves into the intricate details of the Sutton Hoo purse cover, exploring its construction, symbolism, historical context, and enduring legacy.

A Glimpse into the Sutton Hoo Treasure

Before focusing on the purse cover, it's essential to understand the broader context of the Sutton Hoo ship burial. The site contained a ship, estimated to be around 27 meters long, which had been used as a burial chamber. Within this chamber lay a wealth of grave goods, indicating that the interred individual was a person of immense wealth and status, likely a king or high-ranking nobleman of the East Angles.

The treasures included:

• Weapons and armor: A sword, shield, helmet, and spear.
• Jewelry: Gold buckles, shoulder clasps, and various decorative fittings.
• Silverware: Dishes, bowls, and spoons.
• Textiles: Fragments of clothing and tapestries.
• Other items: A standard, buckets, drinking horns, and the purse cover.

These artifacts collectively paint a vivid picture of the material culture of the Anglo-Saxon elite, their artistic sensibilities, their trade connections, and their beliefs about the afterlife.

The Purse Cover: An Exquisite Artifact

The purse cover is one of the most remarkable artifacts from the Sutton Hoo burial. It is a rectangular object, approximately 19 cm long and 8 cm wide, designed to cover a now-vanished leather pouch. The cover is made from a base of ivory or bone, onto which intricately crafted gold and garnet fittings are mounted.

Construction and Materials

The purse cover is a testament to the skill and artistry of Anglo-Saxon metalworkers. Its construction involves a complex interplay of different materials and techniques:

• Base: The foundation of the purse cover is made from a flat piece of ivory or bone. This provided a stable surface for the attachment of the gold and garnet elements.

• Gold Frames: Elaborate gold frames surround the individual decorative panels. These frames are meticulously crafted and soldered together, creating a cohesive structure for the entire cover.

• Garnets: The purse cover is adorned with numerous garnets, which are semi-precious stones that were highly valued in the early medieval period. The garnets are carefully cut and polished, then set into the gold frames using a technique called cloisonné.

• Cloisonné Technique: This technique involves creating small compartments (cloisons) on the surface of the object, usually by soldering thin strips of gold or silver onto a base. These compartments are then filled with materials such as glass, enamel, or, in the case of the Sutton Hoo purse cover, garnets. The cloisonné technique allowed for the creation of intricate and colorful designs.

• Glass and Enamel: In addition to garnets, the purse cover also incorporates small amounts of colored glass and enamel, adding to its visual richness and complexity.

Decorative Panels and Symbolism

The purse cover is divided into several decorative panels, each featuring a different motif. These motifs are not merely decorative; they are laden with symbolism and provide insights into the beliefs and values of Anglo-Saxon society.

• Man Between Beasts: Two panels depict a man standing between two facing beasts. This motif is common in early medieval art and can be interpreted in various ways. Some scholars believe it represents the triumph of good over evil, while others see it as a symbol of royal power and dominion over the animal kingdom. The man is typically depicted with a frontal view, while the beasts are shown in profile. The intricate details of the figures, such as the musculature of the beasts and the clothing of the man, are rendered with remarkable precision.

• Eagles Attacking Ducks: Another pair of panels features eagles attacking ducks. This motif is also found in other Anglo-Saxon artifacts and may symbolize the struggle for survival or the natural order of the world. The eagles are depicted with fierce expressions and sharp talons, while the ducks appear vulnerable and defenseless. The dynamic composition of these panels conveys a sense of action and drama.

• Geometric Patterns: The central panels of the purse cover are filled with intricate geometric patterns, including interlaced knots and step patterns. These patterns are characteristic of Anglo-Saxon art and reflect a love of complex and symmetrical designs. The geometric patterns may have had symbolic meanings as well, perhaps representing the interconnectedness of all things or the eternal nature of the cosmos.

• Zoomorphic Interlace: Zoomorphic interlace is a type of decoration that combines animal motifs with interlaced patterns. This style is prevalent in Anglo-Saxon and Celtic art and can be seen on various objects from the Sutton Hoo burial, including the purse cover. The zoomorphic interlace adds a sense of dynamism and movement to the design, while also reinforcing the symbolic associations of the animal motifs.

Function and Purpose

The purse cover served as a protective and decorative element for a leather pouch, which likely contained coins. The coins would have been used to pay the oarsmen in the afterlife, a common practice in many cultures. The presence of the purse cover suggests that the individual buried at Sutton Hoo was not only wealthy but also concerned with ensuring a comfortable passage into the next world.

The purse cover also served as a status symbol, indicating the wealth and power of its owner. The use of precious materials such as gold and garnets, as well as the intricate craftsmanship of the piece, would have made it a highly valuable and prestigious object.

Historical Context and Influences

The Sutton Hoo purse cover reflects a confluence of different artistic and cultural influences. While it is primarily an Anglo-Saxon artifact, it also shows traces of контакты with other cultures, including:

• Germanic Traditions: The animal motifs and geometric patterns found on the purse cover are characteristic of Germanic art. These motifs can be traced back to earlier periods in Germanic history and are found on objects from other Germanic cultures.

• Celtic Art: The zoomorphic interlace and complex geometric patterns also show influences from Celtic art. Celtic art was prevalent in Britain before the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, and there was significant cultural exchange between the two groups.

• Roman Influence: The use of the cloisonné technique and the incorporation of colored glass and enamel may reflect Roman influence. The Romans had a long history of producing elaborate metalwork, and their techniques were likely adopted and adapted by Anglo-Saxon artisans.

• Eastern Influences: Some scholars have suggested that certain motifs on the purse cover may have Eastern origins, possibly reflecting trade contacts with the Byzantine Empire or other regions of the East.

The Sutton Hoo purse cover is thus a product of its time, reflecting the complex cultural interactions that shaped Anglo-Saxon society.

Significance and Legacy

The Sutton Hoo purse cover is of immense significance for several reasons:

• Artistic Achievement: It is a masterpiece of early medieval craftsmanship, demonstrating the skill and artistry of Anglo-Saxon metalworkers. The intricate details, the use of precious materials, and the sophisticated techniques employed in its creation make it a truly remarkable object.

• Historical Insight: It provides valuable insights into the art, culture, and society of Anglo-Saxon England. The motifs and symbols found on the purse cover offer clues about the beliefs, values, and worldview of the Anglo-Saxon elite.

• Cultural Heritage: It is an important part of British cultural heritage, representing a key moment in the history of the country. The Sutton Hoo ship burial is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in British history, and the purse cover is one of its most iconic artifacts.

• Inspiration: The Sutton Hoo purse cover has inspired artists, designers, and craftspeople for generations. Its intricate designs and vibrant colors continue to captivate and inspire, demonstrating the enduring power of early medieval art.

Preservation and Display

The Sutton Hoo purse cover is currently housed in the British Museum in London, where it is one of the most popular and admired exhibits. The museum has taken great care to preserve the purse cover and ensure that it is displayed in a way that allows visitors to appreciate its beauty and significance.

The purse cover is kept in a climate-controlled environment to protect it from damage. It is also displayed in a secure case to prevent theft or vandalism. The museum provides detailed information about the purse cover and its historical context, helping visitors to understand its importance.

Conclusion

The Sutton Hoo purse cover is a remarkable artifact that offers a window into the world of Anglo-Saxon England. Its intricate designs, precious materials, and rich symbolism make it a masterpiece of early medieval art. The purse cover is not only a beautiful object but also a valuable source of information about the culture, beliefs, and values of the Anglo-Saxon elite. Its discovery has transformed our understanding of this period in history, and its enduring legacy continues to inspire and fascinate. As a testament to the skill and artistry of Anglo-Saxon metalworkers, the Sutton Hoo purse cover remains one of the most iconic and significant artifacts from the Sutton Hoo ship burial.