Anglosaxon Buckle from Sutton Hoo

The archaeological site of Sutton Hoo, located in the English region of East Anglia, includes numerous burial mounds. Most famous among those is the ship-burial from which remarkably well-preserved, precious artefacts dated back to the 7th century were excavated. The likely best-known finds from this grave are the famous Helmet and the Great Gold Buckle of Sutton Hoo, both significant testimonies of the quality of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship.

For the ruling class of the Anglo-Saxons and other Germanic Peoples, sumptuous and elaborately adorned belts were outward symbols of status and prestige, and, as such, indispensable garment accessories.

This imposing, intricately designed brass buckle is an accurately detailed reproduction of the boat grave’s original golden buckle of Sutton Hoo, which is on display for people to admire at the British Museum in London. It is composed of three parts – a long, somewhat ovoid plate, a tongue with circular plate and a hoop (or frame). The tongue-plate and the hoop are both hinged independently. All components of the belt buckle are richly decorated: The long plate is entirely covered with densely interwoven animals or animal-like creatures – from coiling snakes to interlaced four-legged beasts to stylized bird heads. The meandering, snake-like motifs are repeated on the tongue-plate, while the buckle frame is ornamented with fine interlace.