SCABBARD

Description: A cast gold and garnet pyramidal mount from the early-medieval period. The mount has an octagonal base, four main triangular faces and a flat top. Each face is decorated with a simple cloisonné design comprising a triangular cell above a rectangular to sub-trapezoidal cell, most of which are inlaid with flat-cut garnets. The edges of the pyramid are inlaid with rectangular garnets shaped to follow the rounded turn of the edge, and at each lower corner are triangular facets also containing flat-cut garnets. Many of the flat-cut garnets appear to be backed with gold foil. A square flat-cut garnet with gold foil backing is inlaid into a cell on the top of the pyramid. Some of the settings are cracked, have slipped or are missing entirely.

The mount is hollow and now filled with soil, which appears to be holding the surviving settings in place. The base is folded inwards, forming a flange.

Dimensions: Height 16.2mm, base 18.7 x18.5mm, top 7.9 x 7.9mm, weight (including soil): 12.1g.

Discussion:  This pyramidal mount is virtually identical to two others in the Staffordshire Hoard (PAS database STAFFS-641F55 and STAFFS-3CE936). Pyramidal mounts are familiar finds from Anglo-Saxon and Continental archaeological contexts (Menghin 1983, pp. 363ff). Their precise function is uncertain, but they may have helped to secure swords in their scabbards by means of a strap running through a transverse bar on the base. The present example lacks this bar, but it may have broken off in the past (the soil packed into the mount may obscure any sign of breakage).

Pyramidal mounts are relatively uncommon as grave finds, with two deluxe examples found in the Sutton Hoo ship burial. However, they are increasingly common as stray finds with numerous examples recorded on the PAS database. Several distinct types are now discernible, distinguished by shape (pyramidal to cone-like), material (copper alloy, silver, gold) and decoration (incised, chip-carved, cloisonné inlay). They date from the mid-sixth to later seventh centuries and initially were small and squat, becoming taller with more varied base shapes during this century. Given the tall form of the present example, a date in the later seventh century is proposed.

Date: Later seventh century.