Sword scabbard boss
Unknown artist, 7th century
This sword scabbard mount is very rare and only two others were known to exist from the aristocratic burial in Sutton Hoo until more were found in the Staffordshire Hoard in July 2009.
Swords were one of the most highly-prized objects to have been made in Anglo-Saxon England and their embellishment with jewelled decorative hilts and scabbards was a principal way in which members of the aristocracy and the upper classes could express their wealth, power and prestige.
This scabbard boss will be used to explain the rise of Norfolk’s earliest Anglo-Saxon elites and their access to, and use of, jewellery similar to that used by the owner of the Sutton Hoo treasure.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Sword scabbard boss, 7th century
Date supported
2010
Medium and material
Gold & garnet
Dimensions
7 x 17 mm
Grant
3000
Total cost
8000
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