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Shoulder clasps
Other view
Detail showing garnet cloisonné decoration
Detail showing garnet cloisonné decoration
Length: 12.700 cm
Width: 5.400 cm
Length: 12.700 cm
Length: 12.700 cm
Gift of Mrs E.M. Pretty
M&ME 1939,10-10,4;M&ME 1939,10-10,5
Room 41: Europe AD 300-1100
Sutton Hoo
Shoulder clasps
These two clasps may have fastened leather armour at the shoulder. They have a clever design: the two halves are put together, then the gold pin slides though them both, locking them together very strongly.
The clasps are beautifully decorated in a special way called garnet cloisonné. Thin strips of gold were formed into cells, and red garnets with gold foil underneath were placed into them. It took huge skill and patience to do this.
The ends of the clasps have boars on them. Boars meant strength to the Anglo-Saxons.