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.
Selection of Anglo-Saxon Bronze Strap Ends
£ 95.00 – £ 325.00
A fine selection of Anglo-Saxon bronze strap ends featuring zoomorphic imagery. Their split ends would have encased materials such as leather and would have been secured in place with rivets. A typology of strap ends developed by Gabor Thomas can be used to identify these examples as ‘type A’ which requires convex sides and a width/length ratio of around 1:3.5. Their decoration is in class ‘Trewhiddle’ style, which dates back to the 9th century AD. Features of this type can include billeted or nicked edges to mimic beading, sectioned areas of the surface, foliate and zoomorphic motifs, as well as silvering, niello, or enamel appliqués.
PRICED INDIVIDUALLY
Provenance: From a UK collection
Condition: Very fine condition, patination to the surface.
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