Ixworth Cross
Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum inventory no. AN1909.453. Gold, garnet. Mid 7th century. The central roundel is divided into concentric rings, comprised of rectangular and T-shaped cloisonné work cells. The flared arms of the cross comprise a central panel divided into four sections, bordered by rectangular cells containing garnets of a brighter red than those in the centre of the panel. The upper arm is modified to attach the biconical suspension loop. The back of the cross is made of a single sheet of gold, with a small repair patch on the border between the upper arm and central roundel. The cross is probably contemporary with the Wilton Cross and Sutton Hoo jewellery. Discovered in 1886 in a grave in Stanton, Ixworth, alongside a fragmentary disc brooch.
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
Mid 7th century
Gold Plaque
Art history
AN00032720_001_l. Almost square gold plaque with an attachment hole at each corner. A niello-inlaid line acts as a border on the lower three sides, but the blank area around each hole indicates that they were filled by a circular bossed rivet. The niello-inlaid decoration consists of a half-length zoo-anthropomorphic symbol of St John with eagle head and human hands which hold a book and pen. Around the evangelist symbol is an inscription. The back is undecorated, except for a free-hand incised assembly mark. All these images are © Trustees of the British Museum. These free low-resolution images are covered also under the British Museum's Terms and Conditions (http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_this_site/terms_of_use/free_image_service.aspx). The full image collection is available at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database.aspx where you can also order high resolution copies.
The British Museum
The British Museum
9th century
Plaque
Art history
AN00013974_001_l. Walrus ivory sub-rectangular plaque, broken away along the right-hand edge. Eight attachment holes survive along the edges. The surface is highly polished, and carved in high relief with a crucifixion group. Christ in a loincloth stands erect on a cross with a stepped terminal on the upper arm; his feet rest on a ‘suppedaneum'. The head is broken off, but was evidently long-haired and bearded, as traces on the shoulders show, and the halo seems to be cruciferous. On plinths below the lateral arms of the cross, left and right respectively, stand the haloed figures of the Virgin and St John in attitudes of grief. Both have long garments and St John holds a book in his left hand. Above the lateral arms are personifications of Sun and Moon. The eyes of all the figures are deeply drilled. All these images are © Trustees of the British Museum. These free low-resolution images are covered also under the British Museum's Terms and Conditions (http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_this_site/terms_of_use/free_image_service.aspx). The full image collection is available at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database.aspx where you can also order high resolution copies.
The British Museum
The British Museum
1000
Virgin and Child Ivory Panel
Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum inventory no. AN1978.332. c.1000-1050. Walrus ivory. H. 8.3, W. 5.8. Originally rectangular panel, now damaged. The enthroned Virgin sits with the Christ-child on her lap, who is blessing with one hand and holding a book with the other. The mother and child were originally surrounded by four angels; only the lower pair remain intact. The sitting figures are framed by drapery, and a serpent crawls beneath. The panel may have been attached to a book cover.
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
Early 11th century
Teaching Resources: Anglo-Saxon Women and Anglo-Saxon Art and Archaeology
Archaeology
Teaching resources provided by Gale Owen-Crocker, Professor of Anglo-Saxon Culture at The University of Manchester. These include illustrated bibliographies, past exam papers and handouts relating to courses on Anglo-Saxon women, medieval women and Anglo-Saxon art and archaeology.
Gale Owen-Crocker
Gale Owen-Crocker
English
Tostock Buckle
Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum inventory no. AN1909.455. 7th century. L. 6.5cm. Gold, garnet. Gold buckle with two garnets enclosed by mouldings with pointed teeth. Gold back-plate. The main gem is the largest garnet of its type known from England. Found in Tostock, Suffolk in 1840.
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
7th century
Photos of the Ruthwell Cross
art history
Photos taken of the Ruthwell Cross at Ruthwell Church, Dumfriesshire, January 2010.
Meg Barlett
Meg Barlett
8th century
Ipsden Heath strap-ends
Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum inventory no. AN1997.56&57. 9th century. Gold and silver. Two silver strap-ends with panels of gold filigree, consisting of beaded gold wire and clusters. The strap-ends each terminate in a stylised beast's head with large circular ears. They were discovered in 1991 on Ipsden Heath by a metal detectorist.
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
9th century
The Minster Lovell Jewel
Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum inventory no. AN1869.20.
Gold, enamel. L. 3.1cm, max D. 2.3cm. c.850-900.
Sheet gold socketed fitting decorated with gold filigree consisting of straight, beaded and twisted wire. Fitting is topped with applied gold and enamel cloisonné setting with double cross design. The projecting cylinder has holes for attaching a rod of wood or ivory for use as an aestel or pointer.
For more information visit http://www.ashmolean.org/ash/objectofmonth/2005-04/relobjects.htm
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
850-900
The Alfred Jewel
Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum inventory no. AN1836p.135.371.
Gold, rock crystal, enamel. Dated to the late 9th century. Gold tear-drop shaped frame holds an enamel base beneath a polished rock crystal, possibly a reused piece from an older object. The separate back plate is held in place by dog-toothed claws, and the jewel terminates in a stylised animal head. The cloisonné enamel inlay depicts a green robed figure holding two plant stems or flowers, and has been interpreted as a personification of sight. The piece may be the head of an aestel or pointer used in the reading of manuscripts. The inscription reads +AELFREDMECH/EH/TGEWYRCAN 'Alfred ordered me to be made', leading some to posit a connection with King Alfred's programme for the renewal of learning in England, and specifically with the preface to the Old English translation of Gregory's 'Pastoral Care' which mentions that a copy of the work was to be sent to each bishopric accompanied by an 'aestel worth 50 mancuses'.
For more information visit
http://www.ashmolean.org/ash/objectofmonth/2005-04/theobject.htm
Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
Late 9th century