---
title: The Sutton Hoo Helmet
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4841/the-sutton-hoo-helmet/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-10-08
---

# The Sutton Hoo Helmet

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![The Sutton Hoo Helmet](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4841.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4841.jpg)

## Image Caption

The Sutton Hoo helmet from the ship-[burial](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) at Sutton Hoo, Mound 1, [England](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/england/), late 500s to early 600.

This is one of the only four complete helmets that survive from Anglo-[Saxon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saxons/) England. It has been painstakingly reconstructed from the shattered condition in which it was found. The Sutton Hoo Helmet's exceptional survival and haunting appearance have made it an icon of the early medieval period. The helmet consists of an iron cap with a crest, neck guard, cheek-pieces, and face mask. It was originally covered with tinned [copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/) alloy panels and decorated with animal and warrior motifs. Viewed together, the helmet's mouth, nose, and eyebrows form the image of a flying beast. Similar helmets are known from eastern Sweden, implying shared cultural traditions and interactions with East Anglia. The scarcity of surviving Anglo-Saxon helmets indicates that only those of great status could possess them.

The British Museum, London.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, April 01). The Sutton Hoo Helmet. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4841/the-sutton-hoo-helmet/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Sutton Hoo Helmet." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 01, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4841/the-sutton-hoo-helmet/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Sutton Hoo Helmet." *World History Encyclopedia*, 01 Apr 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4841/the-sutton-hoo-helmet/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 01 April 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.