Antler Cone
The use of this antler cone is uncertain. It may have been a pendant. Alternatively, it could have been a symbolic amulet, perhaps to encourage fertility, or even a miniature drinking horn.
AD 410 ...
Beaver Incisor Tooth Pendant
The tooth is set in bronze and may have been worn as a charm. Found pre-excavation, in 1921 during road works.
The European Beaver (Castor fiber) was a common animal in Saxon times. [They lived in ...
Bone Comb
Two fragments of a double-sided, bone comb with central strengthening plates fastened with iron rivets.
6th Century A.D.
129mm long x 43mm wide
1922/23 excavations (Grave 152)
Bronze Belt Clip
Such bronze clips were found in male burials at Bidford. This one was found in association with a shield decoration.
6th Century A.D.
76mm long
1922/23 excavations (Grave 33)
Bronze cylinders
These small metal tubes were probably lace tags, from the ends of leather thongs, which may have fastened the bag containing the miniature buckets around the neck.
AD 410 - AD 600
Bronze diamond-shaped brooch
The surface of this brooch has been coated with a white metal (perhaps tin) to make it look like silver. The pattern is made up of diamond shapes and was probably copied from designs on textiles imported ...
Bronze items including fastener
The pair of bronze fasteners (right) would have used to close the wrist openings of a long-sleeved under-dress. Both pairs found at Bidford were in female graves.
6th Century A.D.
Left: 44mm
Right: ...
Bronze Pin
Bronze breast pin with faceted head.
6th Century A.D.
155mm long
1922/23 excavations (Grave 28)
Bronze 'Spangle'
This small triangle of metal may have been part of a string of beads, and would have sparkled and jangled.
AD 410 - AD 600
Bronze 'Stud'
This worn disc-headed bronze stud was old when it was placed into the bag at the Cunning Woman’s left hip. It may have been an heirloom or amulet. The other surface is plain.
AD 410 - AD 600
Collection of metal objects
Iron arrowhead (top left) bronze tweezers and four iron girdle-buckles.
6th Century A.D.
Tweezers 67mm; Arrowhead 53mm
1922/23 excavations
Grave Goods
Collection of metal objects including two small, matching, bronze square-headed brooches and a gilded pendant (right).
6th Century A.D.
1922/23 excavations (Grave 187)
Grave Goods
The grave goods from a female burial.
From left to right:
An iron knife with an bronze ferrule (strengthening ring) between the blade and the tang (point) that was inserted into the handle. 95mm ...
Grave Goods - rings
The grave goods from a female burial.
Finger bones and three spiral finger rings of silver (20mm diameter). Two of them were found still encircling the finger bones.
6th Century A.D.
1922/23 excavations ...
Great Square - Headed Gilt Brooch
A fine, gilded bronze brooch, elaborately decorated with interlaced patterns and stylised faces. The rounded terminal at the base of the brooch bears the eyes and forehead of a human face. Such impressive ...
Ivory Ring
A ring of ivory (possibly boar’s tusk) used to stiffen a bag or purse. Two bronze plates and three rivets applied to the ring are probably repairs rather than decorative embellishments.
6th Century ...
Long Bead Necklace
A necklace of amber, glass and paste beads. Some of the paste beads are decorated with a stylised eye pattern.
6th Century A.D.
450mm drop
1922/23 excavations (Grave 35)
Miniature bucket pendant
An individual miniature bucket pendant. Each one was made of three pieces of bronze.
AD 410 - AD 600