Sutton Hoo
Overview
Sutton Hoo is an archaeological site located in Suffolk, England, where a remarkable Anglo-Saxon burial was discovered in 1939. The burial is considered one of the most significant finds in English archaeology, and it has provided valuable insights into the culture, art, and social organization of the Anglo-Saxon people during the early Middle Ages.
Discovery
The Sutton Hoo burial was discovered in 1939 by a local landowner, Mrs. Edith Pretty, who had commissioned archaeologist Basil Brown to excavate the mounds on her property. The excavation revealed a large ship burial that had been covered by a mound of earth and was surrounded by a number of smaller burials. The main burial chamber was found to contain an impressive array of objects, including weapons, armor, jewelry, and other artifacts.
The burial is believed to date back to the early 7th century, a period of great political and social change in Anglo-Saxon England. At this time, England was divided into a number of small kingdoms that were often in conflict with one another. The Sutton Hoo burial is thought to have been the burial of a high-ranking individual, possibly a king or a member of the royal family, who had died during this period of instability.
Sutton Hoo helmet located in the British Museum
Objects Found in the Burial
The objects found in the Sutton Hoo burial are some of the finest examples of Anglo-Saxon art and craftsmanship that have ever been discovered. The most significant object found in the burial was the ship itself, which was over 27 meters long and had been buried in a north-south orientation. The ship had been dismantled before burial, and the individual planks were found to be covered in elaborate carvings depicting a variety of animals, including dragons, birds, and snakes.
The burial also contained a number of weapons and pieces of armor, including a helmet, a sword, and a shield. The helmet is particularly noteworthy, as it is one of the few surviving examples of an Anglo-Saxon helmet from this period. The helmet is made of iron and is decorated with gold and silver inlay, depicting scenes from Anglo-Saxon mythology.
Other objects found in the burial included a number of pieces of jewelry, such as gold buckles, brooches, and rings. These objects were decorated with intricate designs and precious stones, such as garnets and amethysts. The burial also contained a number of objects that were used for everyday purposes, such as combs, spoons, and bowls.
Anglo-Saxon golden belt buckle from the Sutton Hoo ship-burial, Suffolk (England). 7th century CE. British Museum.
Interpretations of the Significance of the Burial
The Sutton Hoo burial has been the subject of much scholarly debate, with different scholars offering different interpretations of its significance. Some scholars have argued that the burial was a reflection of the power and wealth of the Anglo-Saxon elite during the early Middle Ages. They suggest that the objects found in the burial were intended to demonstrate the wealth and status of the individual buried there, and to assert their dominance over their rivals.
Other scholars have taken a different view, arguing that the burial was not simply a display of wealth and status, but was also a reflection of the religious beliefs and practices of the Anglo-Saxon people. They suggest that the objects found in the burial were intended to accompany the individual into the afterlife and to provide them with the means to maintain their status and power in the world beyond.
Sutton Hoo Shoulder Clasps
Among the numerous treasures that were discovered in the burial site is a set of ornate metalwork known as the shoulder clasps. These clasps are believed to have been part of a warrior’s costume and provide valuable insights into the culture, craftsmanship, and social hierarchy of the Anglo-Saxon period.
The shoulder clasps consist of two separate pieces, one for each shoulder, made from gold, garnets, and cloisonné enamel. They are highly decorated with intricate patterns of interlacing beasts, which are reminiscent of the animal art found in early medieval manuscripts. The level of skill and artistry involved in the creation of the clasps is evident in their precise detailing and flawless execution. The fact that they were crafted from gold and adorned with precious stones suggests that they were reserved for the highest-ranking members of society.
Shoulder clasp from the Sutton Hoo burial – British Museum
Shoulder clasp from the Sutton Hoo burial – British Museum
Legacy
The Sutton Hoo burial is a remarkable archaeological find that has provided valuable insights into the culture, art, and social organization of the Anglo-Saxon people during the early Middle Ages. The objects found in the burial are some of the finest examples of Anglo-Saxon art and craftsmanship, and their intricate designs and precious materials offer a glimpse into the wealth and power of the Anglo-Saxon elite during this period.
However, the interpretation of the significance of the burial remains a subject of debate among scholars. While some see it as a display of wealth and status, others argue that it also reflects the religious beliefs and practices of the Anglo-Saxon people. Regardless of the interpretation, the Sutton Hoo burial represents a significant moment in English history, providing a window into a time of great change and upheaval.
Furthermore, the discovery of the Sutton Hoo burial and the subsequent research and excavation of the site has not only contributed to our understanding of Anglo-Saxon society but has also raised important questions about the role of archaeology in the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage. The careful excavation and preservation of the site by archaeologists has ensured that the objects and artifacts discovered at Sutton Hoo continue to be studied and admired by scholars and the public alike.
Overall, the Sutton Hoo burial is a significant archaeological find that has contributed greatly to our understanding of Anglo-Saxon society and history. Its objects and artifacts provide valuable insights into the culture, art, and social organization of the Anglo-Saxon people during the early Middle Ages, and the site itself remains an important example of the role of archaeology in the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage.
Further Research & References
Shoulder Clasp – https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1939-1010-4-a
Bruce-Mitford, Rupert. The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial. 3 vols. London: British Museum Publications, 1975-1983.
Morris, Marc. The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England, 400-1066. New York, NY: Pegasus Books, Ltd., 2021.
Evans, Angela Care. The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial: A Handbook. London: British Museum Press, 1990.
Plunkett, Steven, ed. Suffolk in the Middle Ages: Studies in Places and Place-Names, the Sutton Hoo Ship-Burial, Saints, Mummies and Crosses, Domesday Book. Woodbridge, UK: Boydell Press, 2011.
Carver, Martin. Sutton Hoo: Burial Ground of Kings? Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1998.
Gameson, Richard. The Sutton Hoo Helmet: Objects in Focus. London: British Museum Press, 2019.
Hinton, David. Archaeology, Economy and Society: England from the Fifth to the Fifteenth Century. London: Routledge, 2014.
Preston, Sally, ed. Beowulf and Other Stories: A New Introduction to Old English, Old Icelandic and Anglo-Norman Literatures. London: Routledge, 2013.
Photos:
Sutton Hoo Shoulder Clasp:
British Museum, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sutton Hoo Helmet:
B. Carlen. Copyright www.theanglosaxons.com, 2022.
Sutton Hoo Belt Buckle:
Michel wal, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.