Fincham sword pyramid

Anglo-Saxon

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

7th Century

'Sword pyramids' are sixth- and seventh-century decorative fittings associated with Anglo-Saxon sword scabbards and were used to help keep the weapon sheathed. They remain very rare finds, especially when made of gold and this one is especially unusual due to its understated simplicity. This is the first sword pyramid to be acquired by Norwich and adds to its fine collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork. This work was acquired with the support of the Art Fund with the assistance of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

• Medium: gold with garnet inlays
• Dimensions: 1.3 x 1 x 0.95cm
• Art Fund Grant: £1700 ( Total: £2,200)
• ArtFunded in: 2007
• Vendor: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Provenance

Discovered by a metal detectorist in West Norfolk.

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