Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
The boar on the replica Benty Grange helmet
Copyright Sheffield Galleries & Museums Trust
The boar on the replica Benty Grange helmet
Dimensions : Length of boar 10cm.
Site name : Benty Grange
Site type : Burial site
Time period : Anglo-Saxon
Material : Metal; Gold; Bronze; Gemstone
Museum number : 1995.260
One of the last jobs to do when making the replica Benty Grange helmet was to fix the boar onto the top. The curved metal strip which the boar stands on is riveted to the top of the helmet. This is covered with a piece of horn strip and secured with a silver rivet.
The most striking part, however, is the crest. This is made from real boar's hair. It is inspired by the bristles on a real boar's back. These are raised when the boar is angry. An angry boar, ready for a fight, is ideal for a warrior's helmet.
Bibliography :
Bruce-Mitford, R. and Luscombe, M. R. , 1974
Glossary:
Rivet
Related objects
Close up of boar on helmet from Benty Grange
Pieces of the boar from the replica Benty Grange helmet
Beaver's tooth pendant from Wigber Low
Two boar tusks and two pieces of haematite from Liffs Low
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