Name/TitleBinham bracteate, Norwich Castle Museum 2005.756

About this objectThis bracteate, a decorated gold disk worn as a pendant, dates from 475–525 and was discovered with at hoard of gold objects around 2004 at Binham in Norfolk, Britain. It hints at the regional links between northern Europe elites and their shared gods. The image is of an armed male figure, facing right and holding a sword in his right hand, fighting a beak-headed creature; a second similar beast is behind his right leg. The figure is thought to represent the god Tiw/Tyr. The inscription in runic script reads 'pre-fuþorc' (he/she/it knows). Over 1000 bracteates have been discovered across northern Europe from this period.

Date Made475–525

PeriodAnglo-Saxon

Subject and Association KeywordsEncounters

Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Behr et al 2014; Heslop 2012; Pestell 2012.

Medium and MaterialsGold

Measurements4.4 cm diameter

Credit LineNorwich Castle Museum

Object numberEXH37: NCM 2005.756