The birds on the Sutton Hoo purse
Carola Hicks
In the definitive publication of Sutton Hoo ship-burial, R. L. S. Bruce-Mitford comments that figural scenes on purse-lid may be thought to have had a special significance known those who commissioned them and saw purse, because they appear as part design an important item regalia. However, meaning pair plaques which show bird prey grasping smaller (pl. VII ) has not yet been satisfactorily analysed. states no close parallels scene can cited. Haseloff, in study purse plaques, considers general influence Mediterranean representational art upon Germanic tendency towards abstraction, with pairs being adoption stylization foreign theme. Werner, discussion Lombardic shield mounts, suggests birds represent Christian ornament therefore associates other supposedly elements burial. But really convincing background for found. This is contrast man between beasts interlacing quadrupeds, both belong groups designs more familiar type. It purpose this article provide some sources attempt interpret behind use
Anglo-Saxon England