Shield from the ship-burial at Sutton Hoo
(part-reconstruction)
Anglo-Saxon, early 7th century AD
From Mound 1, Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England
A shield, together with a sword, makes up an important part of
the set of weapons belonging to an élite warrior in the early
Anglo-Saxon period. Often nothing remains except the iron boss and
hand-grip as the wood of the shield board quickly decays in the
ground. Here the form of the original shield has been
reconstructed, with oak-bark tanned cow-hide over lime boards.
What survives are gilded emblems, including a bird-of-prey with
predatory beak and cruel talons, and a six-winged dragon with open
snapping jaws. These may symbolize the strength and courage of the
shield's bearer. At the centre is a heavy iron boss, decorated with
pairs of intertwined horses. Around the rim are gilt-bronze panels
covered with interlacing animals and flanked by dragon's heads with
beady garnet eyes. The shield was held by an iron grip behind the
boss; this too is ornamented with dragon and bird heads.
The Sutton Hoo shield is the most ornate shield to have survived
from this period. It is closely linked to shields from the
contemporary Swedish high status cemetery of Vendel and together
with the helmet, it suggests that both regions share cultural links
in the late sixth and early seventh century.
R.L.S. Bruce-Mitford, The Sutton Hoo ship burial-2, vol. 2: arms, armour and regalia (London, The British Museum Press, 1978)
A.C. Evans, The Sutton Hoo ship burial, revised edition (London, The British Museum Press, 1994)