---
title: The Sutton Hoo Purse-lid
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5106/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Sutton Hoo Purse-lid

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

## Image File

[![The Sutton Hoo Purse-lid](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5106.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5106.jpg)

## Image Caption

This purse-lid would have been attached to a pouch, which originally hung from a waist belt. Only, the [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) frame and catch of the purse survive; the leather pouch decayed in the ground. Seven plaques of gold, cloisonne garnets and millefiori glass decorated the lid. The upper ones have complex geometric patterns and interlacing creatures, while the lower ones show images of birds and a man standing between 2 beasts. The last motif is known from elsewhere in [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/) and Scandinavia. Though indecipherable now, the images held probably deep significance for the Anglo-[Saxons](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saxons/). They may refer to strength and courage, appropriate qualities for Anglo-[Saxon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saxons/) leaders. From Sutton Hoo, Ship-[burial](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) mound 1, [England](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/england/), UK. Early 600s CE. (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, May 13). The Sutton Hoo Purse-lid. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5106/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Sutton Hoo Purse-lid." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 13, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5106/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Sutton Hoo Purse-lid." *World History Encyclopedia*, 13 May 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5106/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 13 May 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.