British Museum #1 / Sutton Hoo Burial /

The Sutton Hoo burial was discovered in 1939 after exploration of largest burial mound at Edith Pretty's estate at Suffolk. Inside the mound, the imprint of a 27-metre-long, decayed ship, studded with iron rivets containing burial chamber was found. The burial took place in early AD 600s, when Sutton Hoo belonged to East Anglia, one of competing Anglo - Saxon kingdoms. Sutton Hoo is the most significant find from early medieval Europe, also the richest, containing many artifacts of exquisite craftsmanship,  probably commemorating a person of extreme wealth or high status, possibly an Anglo-Saxon King of East Anglia.

Sutton Hoo helmet is one of just four complete helmets discovered from Anglo-Saxon England. Reconstructed from shattered condition in which it was found. The helmet consists of an iron cap with a crest, neck guard, cheek pieces and face mask. It was originally covered with tinned copper alloy panels, decorated with animal and warrior motifs.  Similar helmets are known from eastern Sweden, what indicates traditions and culture being shared with East Anglia. Small number of such helmets suggests those of great wealth an status could only afford them.

Helmet reconstruction shows splendor of the original piece. Bright and silvery surface shows imagery combining Germanic, Scandinavian and even Roman-derived motifs. It was well designed and fully working piece of armour. The puzzle of creatures is implicated in the 'eyebrows', 'nose' and 'mustache'. Flying beast, with edged wings, serpent like creature forming the helmet's crest with wingtips end in fierce boar heads. Animals such as depicted on the helmet were used for protective qualities. 

Shield, which is partly reconstructed, is the most elaborate shield to survive from the period. The metal rim and gilded copper alloy, gold and garnet fittings are unusual. The iron boss protected the hand, mounts depicting bird of prey and dragon may have had symbolic protection. Original lime wood board with animal hide has dissolved and was replaced by modern replica. There are similarities to Swedish shields, especially iron boss and decorative strips on the front. 

In early Anglo-Saxon England swords were the most prized weapons of all,  being given as gift from lords and passed as heirlooms. Sutton Hoo sword (also replica of the edge is displayed) is the finest from the period, double bladed, iron edge fitted with gold hilt pieces, decorated with garnets imported from southern Asia, set into gold cells.

Sixteen pieces of silver tableware found within the burial are from Byzantine Empire, reaching Sutton Hoo through gift exchange between rulers of Europe, bringing Bizatine luxuries to Frankish realm and onwards to Anglo-Saxon England. At early Anglo-Saxon times silver tableware was a display of status or royal treasure, as wood or horn were used instead.

Two drinking horns were reconstructed, with original gilded silver mounts and depict interlacing beasts and human faces. Tips are shaped like fierce birds' heads. The horns probably came from an aurochs, a large type of ox, which may have been imported from the Continent. Each horn held about two litres of mead or ale and may have been passed around in feasting rituals.

Lyre replica, an musical instrument made from maple wood with six strings, strummed or plucked to make music. Gilded and garnet-inlaid plaques with birds' heads embellish the top. Replica shows how the lyre may have looked like originally. Music was used for pleasure and people recited stories and poems to the accompaniment of instruments. 

The form of the long carved whetstone and glittering shoulder-clasps evoke Roman symbols of authority, possibly a deliberate attempt to associate Anglo-Saxon owner with the might of the old Roman Empire.

Shoulder-clasps displayed the power and authority of the wearer. Similar to those used in Roman forms of military dress, attached to a thick or padded garment using loops at the back. Made in two halves each one is decorated with cells inlaid with garnets and patterned millefiori glass. They are hinged around central animal-headed pin and shaped to fit the shoulder.

Gold mounts and buckle and strap fittings that came from a leather belt or a harness that held the purse and sword. 

Purse lid, attached to a leather pouch worn at a waist belt. Frankish coins were found inside.  

Frankish coins, melted down for gold, belt buckle and sword belt pieces show Anglo-Saxon interaction with Franks from Merovingian dynasty in the early AD 600s. 

The burial contained three hanging bowls of differing size and decoration. It is unknown where these were made, but decoration and form suggests Celtic-speaking regions of Ireland or north and west Britain. Bowls may have held water for hand-washing. Hanging bowls were highly prized by Anglo Saxons, with examples being found in their graves, reflecting interactions with Celtic peoples. Bowls from Sutton Hoo burial show signs of repair, what suggests a cherished possession.