About this objectThese small gold-foil crosses were found at the head end of the coffin in the princely tomb at Prittlewell [EXH120], probably placed over the eyes of the corpse. They are a unique find in England, although equal armed, larger, decorated crosses are found in southern Germany and Italy attached to clothing. The ones from Prittlewell are of the Latin cross type and undecorated. They have no thread holes to suggest they were sewn to cloth.
Woven gold braid nearby was possibly the edging of a piece of cloth—now decayed— laid over the face. Two gold coins—Frankish gold tremisses—and a gold belt buckle were also found in the coffin.
Date Made580
PeriodAnglo-Saxon
Subject and Association KeywordsDeath and burials
Subject and Association KeywordsBurial bling
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Blackmore et al 2019; Hirst and Scull 2019; Lucy 2000.
