Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Boar from replica Benty Grange helmet
Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Boar from replica Benty Grange helmet
Site name : Benty Grange
Site type : Burial site
Time period : Anglo-Saxon
Material : Gold; Bronze; Metal
Object type : Grave goods; Personal item
Museum number : 1995.260
A coating of gold was the finishing touch for the boar on the replica Benty Grange helmet. This is applied using a technical process called gilding. The gold turns the iron body plates a black colour. The silver fittings (the snout, tusks, ears, tail, hip plates and body studs) all appear gold.
The contrast between the black and gold is very striking and part of the design.
The helmet maker was trying to produce something which would capture the attention. The boar is the main feature of the helmet and needs to look spectacular.
Bibliography :
Bateman, T. , 1861
Bruce-Mitford, R. and Luscombe, M. R. , 1974
Related objects
Boar's eyes from replica Benty Grange helmet
Pieces of the boar from the replica Benty Grange helmet
The boar on the replica Benty Grange helmet
Necklace from Galley Low
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