This Anglo-Saxon pendant dates from about 600AD. It
was found by a metal detectorist in a field in Attleborough,
Norfolk.
The pendant shows a man with a beard, wearing a hat
or helmet with two horns which join at the top.
Men with horned headgear have nothing to do with the
Vikings! Most depictions of horned helmets are in fact
early Anglo-Saxon in date. Similar pendants to this one
have been found elsewhere in Norfolk and in Hampshire
and have horns that end in small bird heads. These may
represent the Germanic god
Woden, or Odin with his two ravens.
This pendant might have a cult or religious importance
and could have been worn by a priest.
The pendant is just over 4cm high and 2.5cm wide. |