A small copper-alloy die discovered in Kent is providing new evidence about where some of the most elaborate helmets of early medieval England may have been made. The rare Anglo-Saxon object, dating to around AD 550–650, suggests that the sophisticated decorative techniques seen on helmets such as the famous Sutton Hoo example may have been practised in England rather than confined to Scandinavia.
The die stamp was discovered by metal detectorist Stephen Newbury near Lynsted, in Kent, and subsequently recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Measuring just 42.13mm long and 32.83mm wide, the object would have been used to produce Pressblech foils: thin sheets of metal impressed with decorative designs and applied to prestigious objects, including high-status military equipment.
Analysis by Kent County Council and the British Museum found that the die is closely comparable in size to some of the rectangular decorative panels on the Sutton Hoo helmet. It is also an exceptionally rare survival: according to the PAS record, it appears to be the only definite example of a rectangular die depicting a horned, dancing warrior yet discovered in Britain.
Dr Andrew Richardson, Finds Liaison Officer for Kent County Council and Kent Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, explained the significance of the discovery: “This small but remarkable find provides important evidence that helmets like the Sutton Hoo example could have been made in Kent, highlighting the skill and connections of early medieval craftworkers in the county.”
A mysterious warrior
Image courtesy The Portable Antiquities Scheme
The image preserved on the die provides another connection with the artistic world represented by Sutton Hoo. At its centre is a human figure wearing an elaborate headdress with horn-shaped extensions ending in birds’ heads. The figure appears to be naked apart from a belt and is shown in motion, perhaps running or dancing.
In one hand the figure carries two spears, while the other holds a sheathed sword with what appears to be a sword-ring attached to its pommel. Similar figures are known from several early medieval sites across northern Europe.
Among the best-known examples are two figures represented on decorative panels from the Sutton Hoo helmet. Other examples have been discovered in Denmark and Sweden, while English finds include objects from Finglesham in Kent, Caenby in Lincolnshire and the Staffordshire Hoard.
These figures are sometimes described by researchers as “weapon dancers”. They have often been interpreted as having connections with the cult of Odin, or Woden in the Anglo-Saxon world, although that interpretation remains debated. What is clearer is that horned figures formed part of a shared pre-Christian visual tradition found across parts of England and Scandinavia during the sixth, seventh and eighth centuries.
The Lynsted die has particularly close parallels with examples discovered in Denmark. However, there is an intriguing difference. The spears carried by the Lynsted warrior appear to point upwards, something also found on other English representations of the figure. Scandinavian examples usually show their spears pointing downwards.
The PAS record therefore notes that while the die itself could have been imported, it is certainly possible that it was made in Britain.
Rethinking Anglo-Saxon helmet production
Sutton Hoo helmet at the British Museum
The discovery is especially significant because of the long-running debate over the origins of some of England’s most spectacular Anglo-Saxon helmets.
Only a handful of complete or near-complete early medieval helmets are known from English archaeological contexts. Among these, the helmets from Sutton Hoo and the Staffordshire Hoard were decorated with Pressblech. Both have been interpreted as foreign-made objects, traditionally linked with Sweden and, more recently, with Denmark.
The Lynsted find complicates that picture. Importantly, the newly discovered die was not used to create the surviving decoration on either the Sutton Hoo or Staffordshire Hoard helmet. Instead, it provides physical evidence that the tools needed to manufacture comparable decorative panels existed in Anglo-Saxon England, or at least were circulating there.
This raises the possibility that Sutton Hoo-style helmets could have been produced locally and that more Pressblech-decorated helmets once existed in England than the tiny number surviving today would suggest.
The discovery also highlights the complexity of connections across the North Sea during the early Middle Ages. Close similarities between objects found in England, Denmark and Sweden do not necessarily mean that finished artefacts were imported from Scandinavia. Designs, techniques and craftspeople could also have travelled between regions.
The significance of the find led to it being considered under the Treasure Act. It was formally declared Treasure at a coroner’s inquest in May as an object providing a significant insight into national history.
“We’re grateful to the finder for sharing this fantastic discovery with the Portable Antiquities Scheme for recording, which allowed Dr Andrew Richardson to recognise its significance and ensure it was reported under the Treasure Act,” said Ian Richardson, Acting Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum. “This will enable it to be acquired by a museum and preserved in public ownership for the benefit of everyone.”
It is hoped that the die will ultimately be acquired by the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, allowing one of the most unusual recent discoveries from Anglo-Saxon Kent to remain in the region where it was found.
A small copper-alloy die discovered in Kent is providing new evidence about where some of the most elaborate helmets of early medieval England may have been made. The rare Anglo-Saxon object, dating to around AD 550–650, suggests that the sophisticated decorative techniques seen on helmets such as the famous Sutton Hoo example may have been practised in England rather than confined to Scandinavia.
The die stamp was discovered by metal detectorist Stephen Newbury near Lynsted, in Kent, and subsequently recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Measuring just 42.13mm long and 32.83mm wide, the object would have been used to produce Pressblech foils: thin sheets of metal impressed with decorative designs and applied to prestigious objects, including high-status military equipment.
Analysis by Kent County Council and the British Museum found that the die is closely comparable in size to some of the rectangular decorative panels on the Sutton Hoo helmet. It is also an exceptionally rare survival: according to the PAS record, it appears to be the only definite example of a rectangular die depicting a horned, dancing warrior yet discovered in Britain.
Dr Andrew Richardson, Finds Liaison Officer for Kent County Council and Kent Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, explained the significance of the discovery: “This small but remarkable find provides important evidence that helmets like the Sutton Hoo example could have been made in Kent, highlighting the skill and connections of early medieval craftworkers in the county.”
A mysterious warrior
The image preserved on the die provides another connection with the artistic world represented by Sutton Hoo. At its centre is a human figure wearing an elaborate headdress with horn-shaped extensions ending in birds’ heads. The figure appears to be naked apart from a belt and is shown in motion, perhaps running or dancing.
In one hand the figure carries two spears, while the other holds a sheathed sword with what appears to be a sword-ring attached to its pommel. Similar figures are known from several early medieval sites across northern Europe.
Among the best-known examples are two figures represented on decorative panels from the Sutton Hoo helmet. Other examples have been discovered in Denmark and Sweden, while English finds include objects from Finglesham in Kent, Caenby in Lincolnshire and the Staffordshire Hoard.
These figures are sometimes described by researchers as “weapon dancers”. They have often been interpreted as having connections with the cult of Odin, or Woden in the Anglo-Saxon world, although that interpretation remains debated. What is clearer is that horned figures formed part of a shared pre-Christian visual tradition found across parts of England and Scandinavia during the sixth, seventh and eighth centuries.
The Lynsted die has particularly close parallels with examples discovered in Denmark. However, there is an intriguing difference. The spears carried by the Lynsted warrior appear to point upwards, something also found on other English representations of the figure. Scandinavian examples usually show their spears pointing downwards.
The PAS record therefore notes that while the die itself could have been imported, it is certainly possible that it was made in Britain.
Rethinking Anglo-Saxon helmet production
The discovery is especially significant because of the long-running debate over the origins of some of England’s most spectacular Anglo-Saxon helmets.
Only a handful of complete or near-complete early medieval helmets are known from English archaeological contexts. Among these, the helmets from Sutton Hoo and the Staffordshire Hoard were decorated with Pressblech. Both have been interpreted as foreign-made objects, traditionally linked with Sweden and, more recently, with Denmark.
The Lynsted find complicates that picture. Importantly, the newly discovered die was not used to create the surviving decoration on either the Sutton Hoo or Staffordshire Hoard helmet. Instead, it provides physical evidence that the tools needed to manufacture comparable decorative panels existed in Anglo-Saxon England, or at least were circulating there.
This raises the possibility that Sutton Hoo-style helmets could have been produced locally and that more Pressblech-decorated helmets once existed in England than the tiny number surviving today would suggest.
The discovery also highlights the complexity of connections across the North Sea during the early Middle Ages. Close similarities between objects found in England, Denmark and Sweden do not necessarily mean that finished artefacts were imported from Scandinavia. Designs, techniques and craftspeople could also have travelled between regions.
The significance of the find led to it being considered under the Treasure Act. It was formally declared Treasure at a coroner’s inquest in May as an object providing a significant insight into national history.
“We’re grateful to the finder for sharing this fantastic discovery with the Portable Antiquities Scheme for recording, which allowed Dr Andrew Richardson to recognise its significance and ensure it was reported under the Treasure Act,” said Ian Richardson, Acting Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum. “This will enable it to be acquired by a museum and preserved in public ownership for the benefit of everyone.”
It is hoped that the die will ultimately be acquired by the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, allowing one of the most unusual recent discoveries from Anglo-Saxon Kent to remain in the region where it was found.
To learn more about the find, please see the entry in the Portable Antiquities Database.
See also: Medieval Stamp Found in Denmark Could Reveal Where Sutton Hoo Helmet Was Made
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