A Communicative World of Images? Some Notes on an Anglo-Saxon Belt Buckle from Burwell (Cambridgeshire / GB)

Abstract

A belt buckle from Burwell was analysed within the scope of the project »International Framework«. Additional to the garnet analyses (to be published) the iconography of one zoomorphic element which decorates the buckle shall be discussed here. It is a double-headed animal with the body of a snake and birds‘ heads. Although this motif was popular in the Early Middle Ages the origin of its predecessors goes back to antiquity. A contemporary comparison is interesting as it links the buckle from Burwell with the iconography of Vendel period Sweden. The stylistic comparison suggests that the motif of the Burwell buckle is an abridged motif, a cypher. It belongs to a pictorial cypher which is documented numerously in the north-western parts of 7th century Europe.