IMC 2010: Sessions

In 2009, a man metal detecting near Lichfield, in the English Midlands discovered a hoard of Early Anglo-Saxon gold and silver. The 'Staffordshire Hoard' contains more than 1,800 artifacts and fragments, dating from the 6th and 7th centuries and is unique. The discovery caused an world-wide media interest.

Much of the hype associated with this find is justified. It is a very important find indeed - unprecidented and quite unexpected. The hoard contained a large number of sword hilt fittings in both gold and silver, decorated with high grade cloisonné garnet work and filigree. Sword blades are, however, absent. In additon to the hilts the hoard contained helmet fragments and possible shield fittings. There were also three Christian crosses and a large number of finely decorated objects, the function of which is, as yet, unknown. The hoard is unbalanced, there are no feminine dress fittings and the large rivet buckles that characterise rich 7th-century graves are also absent. The material deposited in the hoard was carefully selected. Work on conservation, cleaning, and research has only just started and much remains to be done before we can begin to understand this hoard and the context of its deposition. This lecture is aimed to provide an insight into what will be known by July 2010.