Purse Cover From Sutton Hoo

The Sutton Hoo Purse Cover: A Glimpse into Anglo-Saxon Craftsmanship and Society

The Sutton Hoo burial ground, discovered in Suffolk, England, in 1939, offers an unparalleled window into the world of the early Anglo-Saxon period (roughly 575-650 AD). Among the many remarkable artifacts unearthed within the principal ship burial, the intricately decorated purse cover stands out as a testament to the sophistication of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship and artistry. This small yet significant object provides valuable insights into the cultural values, artistic techniques, and societal structures of this pivotal era in British history. This article delves deep into the intricacies of the Sutton Hoo purse cover, examining its design, materials, symbolism, and the broader context of its discovery.

Introduction: A Treasure Unearthed

The Sutton Hoo ship burial contained a wealth of grave goods, reflecting the high status of the interred individual, often considered a powerful East Anglian king. Among these treasures, the purse cover immediately captivated researchers with its exquisite detail and unique design. Unlike many other artifacts, its relatively small size doesn’t diminish its importance; rather, it highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and the value placed on personal adornment and symbolic representation within Anglo-Saxon society. Its intricate design, incorporating garnet cloisonné work and gold, speaks volumes about the skills of the artisan and the wealth and power of the individual for whom it was created. The purse cover is not simply a decorative item; it's a historical artifact that opens a door to understanding the past.

Detailed Description: A Masterpiece of Garnet and Gold

The Sutton Hoo purse cover is a remarkably preserved example of early medieval metalwork. It's roughly rectangular, measuring approximately 15cm by 10cm, and constructed primarily from thin sheets of gold. The most striking feature is its extensive use of garnet cloisonné. This technique involves setting small pieces of garnet (a deep red gemstone) into precisely cut cells (cloisons) of gold wire, which are then soldered onto the gold backing. The garnets used are predominantly a deep, rich red, though some variations in shade exist, perhaps due to the natural variations in the gemstone itself or the effects of time.

The design incorporates a variety of intricate motifs. These include:

• Geometric patterns: Repeating geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and circles, form a foundational layer of the design, creating a rhythmic and visually appealing base.
• Animal motifs: Stylized depictions of animals, likely mythical creatures or real-world beasts, are prominently featured. These animals are often shown in a twisted or intertwined manner, reflecting the characteristic style of Anglo-Saxon art. Identifying these creatures precisely is challenging, due to the stylized nature of their depiction, but they are often interpreted as birds, beasts, or serpents.
• Plant motifs: Vine-like scrolls and other plant-inspired patterns add further complexity and visual interest to the design. These organic forms contrast with the stricter geometry of other elements, creating a dynamic visual balance.

The craftsmanship is exceptional, demonstrating an advanced understanding of metallurgy and gem-setting techniques. The precision with which the gold cloisons were formed and the garnets meticulously placed speaks to the high skill of the artisan. The piece exhibits minimal damage considering its age, further emphasizing the quality of the workmanship.

Material Analysis: Sources and Techniques

The materials used in the creation of the purse cover provide additional insights into Anglo-Saxon trade networks and technological capabilities.

• Gold: The gold used is of high purity, suggesting access to valuable resources and extensive trade connections. The source of this gold is still debated, but possibilities include continental Europe or even further afield.
• Garnets: The garnets are believed to have originated from sources in various locations, potentially reflecting a wide trading network spanning across Europe. The consistency in colour and quality suggests a careful selection process by the artisan.
• Other materials: Although less prominent, traces of other materials like glass or other colored stones may also have been utilized in the original design, albeit these elements have largely degraded over time.

The techniques employed, such as cloisonné, were not unique to the Anglo-Saxons, but the level of skill and the artistic interpretation demonstrated in the purse cover show a mastery of these techniques that was exceptional for its time.

Symbolism and Interpretation: A Royal Artifact

The intricate design of the Sutton Hoo purse cover is not merely decorative; it carries symbolic weight. The interwoven motifs, the use of specific colors, and the overall aesthetic suggest a deeper meaning relating to the beliefs and values of the Anglo-Saxon culture.

• Animal symbolism: The stylized animals are frequently interpreted as having symbolic or spiritual significance. They may represent power, protection, or even connections to the otherworld. Certain animals held particular cultural significance within Anglo-Saxon beliefs, and the specific choices made by the artisan likely reflected those values.
• Geometric symbolism: Geometric patterns often carry symbolic connotations in many cultures, and it's plausible that the geometric elements of the purse cover held a similar significance within Anglo-Saxon society, possibly related to concepts of order, cosmos, or the interconnectedness of the universe.
• Royal association: The presence of such a richly decorated artifact within a royal burial suggests its importance as a symbol of wealth, status, and power. The purse itself may have contained valuable items, further enhancing its importance as a symbol of royal authority.

Interpreting the precise meaning of the symbols is challenging, given the limited understanding of Anglo-Saxon mythology and symbolism. However, the richness and complexity of the design undeniably place this purse cover within the realm of elite craftsmanship and royal possessions.

Context and Significance: A Window into Anglo-Saxon Society

The discovery of the Sutton Hoo purse cover within the context of the larger ship burial provides crucial insights into Anglo-Saxon society. Its presence amongst other prestigious grave goods, such as weapons, armour, and other lavishly decorated items, underscores the significance of personal adornment and symbolic representation in this era.

The purse cover highlights the following aspects of Anglo-Saxon society:

• High level of craftsmanship: The intricate design and masterful execution of the purse cover demonstrate a high level of artistic skill and technical expertise within Anglo-Saxon society. The creation of such an artifact required considerable training, skill, and resources, suggesting a specialized artisan class.
• International trade and exchange: The materials used in the purse cover point to extensive international trade connections. Access to high-quality gold and garnets from various sources indicates that Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were involved in a complex network of exchange.
• Social hierarchy and power: The presence of the purse cover within a royal burial speaks to the importance of social status and the display of wealth and power within Anglo-Saxon society. The artifact served not only as a beautiful object but also as a tangible symbol of the deceased's social standing.
• Religious and spiritual beliefs: The symbolism incorporated into the design suggests a belief system that incorporated animal motifs, possibly linked to spiritual or mythological concepts that remain partially enigmatic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is cloisonné?

A: Cloisonné is an ancient decorative technique where small pieces of colored material, such as glass, enamel, or, in this case, garnets, are set within thin metal walls (cloisons) that are soldered onto a metal base. This creates a highly intricate and visually striking effect.

Q: What is the age of the purse cover?

A: The purse cover dates back to the early Anglo-Saxon period, specifically around the late 6th or early 7th century AD. This makes it a crucial artifact for understanding the artistry and craftsmanship of this era.

Q: Where can I see the purse cover?

A: The Sutton Hoo purse cover is housed in the British Museum in London, England. It is a prized possession and a key piece in their Anglo-Saxon collection.

Q: What materials were used besides gold and garnet?

A: While gold and garnet are the dominant materials, traces of other materials may have been present. However, the passage of time and the degradation of materials make definitive identification challenging.

Q: Who was buried in the Sutton Hoo ship burial?

A: The identity of the individual buried in the Sutton Hoo ship burial remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. Many scholars believe the burial was that of a powerful East Anglian king, but the precise name is not definitively known.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The Sutton Hoo purse cover remains a remarkable artifact, a stunning example of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship and a valuable source of information about the period. Its intricate design, the high quality of its materials, and the context of its discovery within a royal burial all contribute to its profound historical and cultural significance. More than just a beautiful object, the purse cover provides a tangible link to the past, allowing us to glean insights into the artistic skills, cultural values, and societal structures of the early Anglo-Saxon era. Its enduring legacy lies not only in its aesthetic beauty but also in its ability to stimulate our imaginations and deepen our understanding of this fascinating period of British history. The seemingly small object tells a monumental story, a testament to human creativity and the enduring power of history.