Sceptre from the ship-burial at Sutton Hoo

Anglo-Saxon, early 7th century AD
From Mound 1, Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England

An emblem of power?

Most rulers, ancient and modern, use emblems of power to enhance their authority in the minds of their subjects. The man buried at Sutton Hoo was no exception. He possessed a 'sceptre' that is unique and one of the most extraordinary objects made in the early Anglo-Saxon period.

The 'sceptre' is in fact a huge four-sided whetstone (for sharpening blades) with red painted knops. At either end the stone is carved with sombre faces, each with individual features. These may be portraits of ancestors whose brooding presence perhaps symbolises and empowers the dynasty to which the dead man belonged.

The 'sceptre' is crowned with a finely-modelled stag carrying a full set of antlers. In the early Germanic world, the stag is a symbol of strength and speed, and with its regal bearing it was considered the 'king' of the forest. As such it would be a fitting attribute for a powerful ruler.

The whetstone is unused, although one of this great size could have been used to keep a sword-blade sharp. Its lack of use suggests that it too is a symbol, perhaps of the buried warrior who as sword-bearer and ring-giver always keeps his sword keen to protect his kingdom.

A.C. Evans, The Sutton Hoo ship burial, revised edition (London, The British Museum Press, 1994)

R.L.S. Bruce-Mitford, The Sutton Hoo ship burial-2, vol. 2: arms, armour and regalia (London, The British Museum Press, 1978)