Strap ends in the Anglo-Saxon period were highly visible, personal items and therefore an important addition to an individual’s appearance. At a time of low literacy rates, the repeated motifs and messaging imparted by certain styles would have provided a means of expression for the owner. This was connected to social identity, wealth, and status. The most popular types of strap ends changed significantly over the course of the Anglo-Saxon period, the 7th century saw an influx of continental styles and thus an increase in Germanic zoomorphic designs, with highly regionalised styles. By the time of the 9th century, the first notion of a nationalistic art style appeared with the ‘Trewhiddle’ types, with similar designs appearing all the way from Cornwall to Dumfries and Galloway. Enamelling, silvering and niello techniques also reached the height of their popularity. During the 10th century there was an apparent reduction in the ostentatious display of personal wealth and as a result, highly ornate strap ends became less common.
Metal work is one of the only types of early Anglo-Saxon art to have survived. A wide range of metals were used with the most common being bronze, silver and gold. During the early period, the Anglo-Saxons were heavily influenced by the Germanic and therefore many zoomorphic and animal imageries can be seen enriching different items. More distinctive Anglo-Saxon characteristics evolved including intricate and finer detailing along with symmetrical designs. The metal work was so complex, it became well known across Western Europe by the 10th century AD.
