---
title: The Sutton Hoo Shoulder-clasps
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5107/the-sutton-hoo-shoulder-clasps/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Sutton Hoo Shoulder-clasps

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

## Image File

[![The Sutton Hoo Shoulder-clasps](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5107.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5107.jpg)

## Image Caption

[Gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) shoulder-clasps from Sutton Hoo, Ship-[burial](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) Mound 1, [England](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/england/), UK. Late 500s to early 600s.

The British Museum, London.

The shoulder-clasps would have displayed the power and authority of their wearer. They are similar in style to those used in older [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) forms of military dress, and were attached to a thick or padded garment using loops at the back. Made in 2 halves, each clasp is decorated with cells inlaid with garnets and patterned millefiori glass. They are hinged around a central animal-headed pin and curved to fit the shoulder. Setting gems on a curved surface like this required extraordinary skill. Interlacing [serpents](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Serpents/) with blue-glass eyes border the clasps' edges, while 2 interlocking boars (symbols of strength and courage) decorate the rounded ends.

#### 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 12). The Sutton Hoo Shoulder-clasps. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5107/the-sutton-hoo-shoulder-clasps/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Sutton Hoo Shoulder-clasps." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 12, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5107/the-sutton-hoo-shoulder-clasps/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Sutton Hoo Shoulder-clasps." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 May 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5107/the-sutton-hoo-shoulder-clasps/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 12 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.