Beowulf brought to life

“They laid their dear lord, the giver of rings, deep within the ship by the mast in majesty; many treasures and adornments from far and wide were gathered there. I have never heard of a ship equipped more handsomely with weapons and war-gear, swords and corselets; on his breast lay countless treasures that were to travel far with him into the waves’ domain.” – Beowulf

Early medieval kings were revered to the upmost standard. Not only were they buried underground in a ship, but they were surrounded with treasures galore. In 1939, archaeologists discovered a treasure-laden ship in Sutton Hoo, off the coast of Suffolk, England. Among the many precious artifacts found were 40 gold coins, a gold purse cover, 10 silver bowls, a silver plate with the imperial stamp of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I, a gold belt buckle, and 2 inscribed silver spoons. This momentous discovery led to insight about the intriguing culture of the Anglo-Saxon people. Yet the mystery remains, who was the king of this glorious tomb?

Known for their speed and grace, the Viking ships carried the warriors from Ireland to Russia, to Iceland, to Greenland, and on. Yet in the early 10^th century, the Vikings finally settled in northern France; a territory that came to be known as Norway. It was here in the city of Oseberg that another impressive ship was discovered. Adorning the exterior were striking examples of Viking wood carving, such as the animal-head posts. These powerfully expressive heads combined the interlacing patterns and animal forms of warrior lord art from the northern frontiers of the former Roman Empire.

Both richly furnished burial ships stand out in history amongst the many other ‘more normal’ tombs, giving the art historian insight into the cultures of the past.