Sutton Hoo and Artifact Analysis

An artifact is a tangible object that can be seen and touched, which shows evidence of skill or artistry.
Artifacts serve a specific purpose beyond mere aesthetics, unlike works of art that are designed primarily for appreciation and beauty.
Example of an Artifact:
- A bowl with intricate carvings that serves the function of holding items.
- Contrasts with works of art like paintings or marble statues, whose only purpose is beauty.

Sutton Hoo is an archaeological site in England known for its ship burial that dates back to the early seventh century, specifically the Anglo-Saxon period.
The burial was likely of a significant individual, possibly King Redwald.
Artifacts found there indicate this burial was royal due to the extraordinary wealth displayed.
The site contains an extensive collection of artifacts displayed in an enormous glass case at the British Museum in London.
Important artifacts include:
- Purse Lid
- A reconstruction featuring gold, garnets, and glass, indicating high craftsmanship.
- Originally would have a background of bone or walrus ivory.
- Notable designs:
  - Abstract interlacing along the top.
  - Figures of animals and a human figure on the corners, possibly depicting wolves.
  - Central imagery with a bird of prey (often described as an eagle) attacking a smaller bird (possibly a duck).
  - Features millefiori technique (Italian for "a thousand flowers"), where glass canes are fused and sliced to create beautiful patterns.
- Shoulder Clasps
- Thought to have held armor in place.
- Made with stepped rhomboids and patterned gold foil behind garnets to enhance reflectivity.
- Employs a technique known as granulation, where tiny granules of gold are carefully fused to the clasp surface, creating intricate designs.
  - Includes detailed representations of interlaced serpents.
  - Recognizable eyes made from blue glass inserts.

The term Anglo-Saxon describes the time between Roman rule and the Norman invasion in October 1066.
The Anglo-Saxons were composed of the Angles and Saxons, who migrated to Great Britain in the sixth century from Northern Germany and Southern Denmark.
Artifacts suggest early Christianity in England, evidenced by:
- Bowls with crosses engraved.
- Two spoons inscribed with the names Paul and Saul (from the New Testament).
Artifacts from Sutton Hoo convey significant insights into trade and cultural connections:
- Garnets found originate from Sri Lanka.
- An enormous silver platter dated a century earlier was produced in the Byzantine Empire.
- Bitumen found within the tomb is traced back to Syria.

The findings at Sutton Hoo illustrate that Britain was not isolated but was part of a broader interconnected world involving the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
The jewelry and artifacts from this period reflect some of the most sophisticated craftsmanship in early medieval Europe.

Students are instructed to create their own artifact examples:
- Must include characteristics of an artifact as previously outlined.
- Example given by the instructor:
- Artifact: Toothbrush
  - Creation Purpose: to clean teeth.
  - Shape: long and slender, with bristles for gripping by hand.
  - Materials Used: modern toothbrushes made of plastic, with historical brushes made of hog hair.
  - Color: Any color, chosen for aesthetics; no specific purpose.
  - Symbols: Dentist's name for advertising.
  - Personal Significance: Importance of maintaining dental hygiene.
Students are tasked to answer questions about their chosen artifacts informally and share with the class, noting that the responses will not be submitted formally.
Encouragement for creativity while maintaining adherence to the outlined characteristics of artifacts.