Archaeology

Mount with a male face and horned helmet

Anglo-Saxon, 7th century AD

Found with a metal detector at Soberton, Hampshire in 2002

A cast copper-alloy mount, which shows the head of a bearded male wearing a horned helmet. The two horns of the helmet come together at the points. Traces of the gilt coating still survive.

People tend to think of Vikings when they see horned helmets, but there is no actual evidence that they ever wore them. In fact images of horn-helmeted figures are found on objects in Germanic areas right through from at least the 7th century AD until the early Viking Period. Often the figures are found in pairs and are sometimes shown performing some kind of ceremonial dance with weapons. They seem to be connected to the cult of the god Woden. So, perhaps this mount was a charm that had a religious meaning for its wearer.

Portable Antiquities Scheme find number HAMP2432.

Length 30mm. Width 22mm. Thickness 1.5mm. Weight 4.3g.

Object number: WINCM:AY 159.3

Click on the image to view an enlargement

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