Abstract
In 2009 a metal detectorist discovered a vast hoard of Anglo Saxon Gold and Silver in a Staffordshire field, it quickly became known as “The Staffordshire Hoard.” It remains, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold (4kg) and silver (1.7kg) ever discovered.
The hoard contains more than 4000 artefacts, some of which were quickly recognised and catalogued - military fittings for swords, two Christian crosses and saddle furnishing. However there remained a significant number of unidentified, broken and twisted fragments. Torn apart into hundreds of fragments it is difficult to envisage what the individual fragments of gold and silver represented. What was their purpose?
Over several months two Anglo Saxon iconographic specialist reviewed each unidentified fragment, to their delight patterns on the fragments interlinked to reveal marching and kneeling warriors, horsemen figures and zoomorphic designs. In piecing together recognisable parts of each panel an astonishing 7th century Anglo Saxon Warrior King’s Helmet emerged, an incredible discovery. How could the museums take this forward?
This paper will present the realisation of the museums aim. The brief was to translate the archaeologist research findings into a tangible and readable single object. Recreating this complex three-dimensional metal jigsaw puzzle required a bespoke approach. The School brought together a team of specialist crafts people to share their knowledge in digital and traditional craft skills. This paper will share their journey of craftsmanship, the challenges, head scratching and ingenuity that brought the recreated helmet to life.
The recreated helmet has provided a wealth of insights into the craftsmanship of precious metals and the technology of the seventh century. It has also become the iconic image of the Staffordshire Hoard.
The hoard contains more than 4000 artefacts, some of which were quickly recognised and catalogued - military fittings for swords, two Christian crosses and saddle furnishing. However there remained a significant number of unidentified, broken and twisted fragments. Torn apart into hundreds of fragments it is difficult to envisage what the individual fragments of gold and silver represented. What was their purpose?
Over several months two Anglo Saxon iconographic specialist reviewed each unidentified fragment, to their delight patterns on the fragments interlinked to reveal marching and kneeling warriors, horsemen figures and zoomorphic designs. In piecing together recognisable parts of each panel an astonishing 7th century Anglo Saxon Warrior King’s Helmet emerged, an incredible discovery. How could the museums take this forward?
This paper will present the realisation of the museums aim. The brief was to translate the archaeologist research findings into a tangible and readable single object. Recreating this complex three-dimensional metal jigsaw puzzle required a bespoke approach. The School brought together a team of specialist crafts people to share their knowledge in digital and traditional craft skills. This paper will share their journey of craftsmanship, the challenges, head scratching and ingenuity that brought the recreated helmet to life.
The recreated helmet has provided a wealth of insights into the craftsmanship of precious metals and the technology of the seventh century. It has also become the iconic image of the Staffordshire Hoard.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Publication status | Published (VoR) - 1 May 2025 |
Funding
The Helmet replica project was funded by Birmingham Museums Trust and The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, and is based on a major research project funded by Historic England and the museums. The full results of the research project are published by the Society of Antiquaries and the Archaeology Data Service.
Keywords
- Gold
- Craft skills
- Digital skills
- Staffordshire Hoard