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A recent find by a metal detector enthusiast in Denmark has sparked new discussions regarding the origins of the famed Sutton Hoo helmet, which has historically been believed to have connections to Sweden.
The detectorist unearthed a small metal stamp on an island in southern Denmark, which features markings similar to those present on the renowned helmet.
Peter Pentz, a curator at the National Museum of Denmark, explains that this discovery invites the possibility that the Sutton Hoo helmet may actually trace its roots back to Denmark.
In comments to the BBC, Pentz noted that if the helmet proves to be of Danish origin, it could significantly alter our comprehension of the political dynamics in Northern Europe during the 7th century.
The copper alloy stamp features an image of a warrior mounted on horseback.
Sutton Hoo is recognized as the burial ground of King Raedwald, a ruler from East Anglia who passed away in 624 AD.
Since its excavation in 1939, the site has revealed over 260 artifacts, including an iron and copper-clad helmet, celebrated as one of the most significant treasures from this era. Other relics such as shields and drinking vessels also indicate connections to Scandinavian culture.
Currently displayed in the British Museum, the helmet boasts intricate decorations, including two small panels that portray mounted warriors.
While initially believed to be influenced by earlier Roman designs, historians had long held that the helmet might have originated from Uppland, eastern Sweden, where similar imagery of equestrian warriors has been found on other helmets. Scholars speculated it could have functioned as either an heirloom or a diplomatic gift.
However, investigations at the National Museum of Denmark now indicate that the newly discovered metal stamp exhibits “striking similarities” with the motifs present on the Sutton Hoo helmet.
Curator Peter Pentz emphasized that this find represents “the closest link we’ve ever seen” between Denmark and the Sutton Hoo helmet.
The green-hued copper alloy stamp was discovered two years ago by local archaeologist Jan Hjort while he was scanning a field on the Danish island of Taasinge. Initially, Hjort thought he had come across a standard “picture plate,” but upon further inspection, he recognized its extraordinary nature.
“The motif is what makes this find exceptional,” said Hjort. “It showcases a powerful image.”
Pentz noted, “The stylistic connections are so notable. This is the closest evidence we’ve encountered.” There have been comparable motifs found in Germany, yet this is the first of its kind uncovered in Denmark.
The discovery at the Sutton Hoo site was made in 1938 by Basil Brown, a self-taught archaeologist.
Hjort’s find has since been transferred to a local museum but was only recently analyzed.
The stamp measures approximately 5 cm by 4 cm (about 2 in by 1.6 in) and is now believed to be a stamp or “die,” also known as a “patrice.”
While the design is not an exact match to the Sutton Hoo helmet, Pentz notes that upon thoroughly comparing the two fragmented helmet panels, numerous similarities emerge.
Focusing on the equestrian figures, he stated, “The horse depicted is virtually the same,” identifying likenesses in elements like the nose, mane, ear, and tail.
Pentz hypothesizes that the Sutton Hoo helmet and the motifs from Denmark are more closely related than those from Sweden, suggesting that it may have originated from or around the island of Taasinge.
He posits that there could have been a 7th-century metal workshop situated on Taasinge, given that thin sheets of silver, possibly used for producing decorative foils, along with other metal shavings, have been discovered in the vicinity.
“I would argue that this die emerged from the same workshop or environment related to the Sutton Hoo helmet,” Pentz asserted, suggesting that production might have originated there or that it indicates trade.
The Sutton Hoo burial site has often been likened to England’s “Valley of the Kings.” Its significant discovery was depicted in the 2021 film The Dig.
The Anglo-Saxon ship burial ground at Sutton Hoo, located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, has been a focal point for understanding early medieval history. Recent interpretations of the site’s artifacts continue to evolve.
“It fundamentally revolutionized our comprehension of the Anglo-Saxon era,” stated Laura Howarth, who manages archaeology and public engagement at Sutton Hoo, now a property of the National Trust.
The term “Anglo-Saxon” refers to the groups who migrated to England from regions such as modern-day Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Notably, fresh excavations and emerging theories about these burials continue more than eight decades after the site’s initial discovery.
The Sutton Hoo helmet, which was painstakingly reconstructed from hundreds of fragmented pieces, is now showcased at the British Museum. Howarth refers to it as the “face of the Anglo-Saxon period.”
“Its artistry and craftsmanship are truly remarkable,” she stated, adding that the Danish discovery indicates that the narrative of Sutton Hoo is “not complete.”
Highlighting the interconnectedness of design across regions, she noted, “This fits into the broader family of contemporary designs,” while also acknowledging that the Sutton Hoo grave contained other artifacts with strong ties to Sweden, alongside a German motif exhibiting similar characteristics.
Pentz envisions that this new discovery could support the theory that Denmark played a more pivotal role than previously recognized during this historical period, potentially positioning Sweden and England as peripheral to a central Danish “power base.”
Conversely, Howarth expressed caution regarding the implications of these findings, asserting that it is premature to definitively assess the power dynamics between Denmark, Sweden, and the Sutton Hoo community based solely on this singular discovery.
Pentz acknowledged the complexities surrounding his hypothesis, noting that the highly fragmented nature of the Sutton Hoo helmet foils and the wear on the Danish stamp pose challenges to tracing connections.
As an immediate step forward, he hopes to conduct detailed three-dimensional scanning of the motifs.
Furthermore, the area surrounding the discovery has seen minimal archaeological exploration, raising the possibility that the stamp could have been part of trade or transported from another location.
The metal stamp will be exhibited at the National Museum in Copenhagen starting in April.
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