Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Boar's eyes from replica Benty Grange helmet
Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
Boar's eyes from replica Benty Grange helmet
Site name : Benty Grange
Site type : Burial site
Time period : Anglo-Saxon
Material : Gold; Gemstone; Metal
Object type : Grave goods; Personal item
Museum number : 1995.260
The eyes of the boar on the replica Benty Grange helmet are very fine. They are made of gold and garnets, just like the originals. Careful study of the originals and other Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet work provide details of how they were made. Each eye consists of a socket and a setting for the garnet. A piece of decorated gold foil fits into the setting behind the garnet. This reflects the light through the gemstone, causing it to glow. The sparkle in the boar's eyes adds to the appearance of the whole object. This trick was often used with garnet settings.
Bibliography :
Bateman, T. , 1861
Bruce-Mitford, R. and Luscombe, M. R. , 1974
Glossary:
Anglo-Saxon
Garnet
Related objects
Pieces of the boar from the replica Benty Grange helmet
Boar from replica Benty Grange helmet
The boar on the replica Benty Grange helmet
Pin set from Cow Low
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