Lecture on the Sutton Hoo Helmet by Dr. Sue Brunning

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Sue Brunning, Curator of the European Early Medieval Insular Collection at the British Museum
• Location: British Museum
• Topic: Special edition on the famous archaeological discovery - the Sutton Hoo helmet
• Context: Stayed after hours at the museum to discuss the artifact

Discovery of the Sutton Hoo Helmet

• Site: Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, eastern England
• Year of Discovery: 1939
• Context: Part of a 27-meter-long ship burial
• Period: Early 7th century (Anglo-Saxon England)
• Grave Goods: Gold, garnet metalwork, feasting equipment, drinking horns, silver, war gear
• Significance: The helmet is one of only about four complete metal helmets from this period; most elaborate
• Human Connection: Helmet features a human face, making it relatable to today’s audience

Reconstruction of the Helmet

• Reconstruction by: Nigel Williams (Early 1970s, British Museum conservator)
• Challenge: Piecing hundreds of fragments due to burial chamber collapse
• Materials Used: Blend of original and modern pieces; heavy-duty jute textile covered with plaster for reversibility
• First Reconstruction: 1940s by Herbert Marion; later deemed inaccurate

Details of the Helmet

• Structure: Domed skull cap (single piece), neck guard, moveable cheek pieces, iron crest (two-headed snake)
• Parallels: Closest parallels come from eastern Sweden (Uppland region - Vendel and Valsgärde boat burials)
• Influence: Roman helmet styles possibly brought back by northern European mercenaries
• Imagery: Dense with human and animal imagery, including scenes of battle and ritual significance

Iconography

• Roman Imagery: Mounted warrior trampling enemy; shows Roman influence adapted to northern European context
• Human Figures: Two human figures with horned headdresses ending in bird heads; possibly depicting ritual dance

Animal Imagery

• Facial Fittings: Flying creature formed by eyebrows, nose, and moustache
• Boars: Helmet features boar heads; boars commonly depicted in helmets of the period
• Snakes and Dragons: Iron crest as a two-headed snake, aggressive imagery signifying power and leadership

Symbolism and Sensory Experience

• Wōden’s Influence: One side of the garnet inlays lacks gold foil, possibly symbolizing the one-eyed god Wōden (or Odin)
• Physical and Sensory Effects: Heavy helmet (2.5 kg); vision, hearing, and smell altered; possible psychological transformation

Battle Usability

• Debate: Whether the helmet was used in battle; ornate nature vs. cultural significance
• Display of Power: Helmet and accompanying armor and weapons project an image of an impenetrable, metal-covered super being

Conclusion

• Rarity: Dr. Brunning’s rare opportunity to see the helmet outside its display case
• Viewer Engagement: Encouragement to explore more content from the British Museum
• Humorous Note: Acknowledgment of ‘Flexcalibur’ as the name for a foam sword

Resources for Further Exploration

• Recommended: Other Curator’s Corners on Anglo-Saxon swords and Sutton Hoo sword specifically
• Subscription: Encourage subscribing to the British Museum's YouTube channel for more content