The body on display: Exploring the role and use of figurines in early Anglo-Saxon England

Abstract

This article examines the significance and social context of early Anglo-Saxon figurines. Dating to the seventh century AD, these objects are three-dimensional metallic sculptures of the human form, between 30 and 50 mm in length, and only 12 are known to exist. The figurative portrayal of the human form is exceptional; the majority of designs in this timeframe incorporating the human form are represented in two dimensions. The figurines are therefore a marked development in the manufacture and deployment of anthropomorphic representational art that demands explanation. The figurines are considered here in terms of their three-dimensionality, structural function and the gestures they represent. It is suggested that the figurines are crucial, if rare, material evidence for the emerging importance of gestural and gendered expression within elite social contexts.

Tressed for Death in Early Anglo-Saxon England

“…The wider investigation of hair in mortuary practices from across early medieval Europe is a potential theme for further investigation (see Brundle 2013;Williams 2013;Ashby 2014). Research could take multiple directions, focusing further on representations of the human body in art (e.g.…”

“…It has also inspired a wider, cross-cultural discussion of how researchers approach the 'archaeology of cremation' (Williams 2015). It also has implications for understanding the shared theme of hair and bodily transformation that can be discerned in certain aspects of contemporary early Anglo-Saxon art (see Brundle 2013;Ashby 2014) and a broader body-centred approach to early medieval mortuary practice (Williams 2006;Nugent 2011;Nugent, Williams 2012). …”

“…Likewise, the relationships between technologies of body management (as opposed to simply 'dress') operating in contemporary inhumation practices and persisting into Conversion Period and later mortuary traditions are areas that demand further attention. The wider significance of hair, its representation in contemporary art, has only been touched upon in previous and more study of this connection is required (Williams 2003;Brundle 2013;Ashby 2014).…”

“…Także amulety i inne przedmioty magiczne (np. Meaney 1981;Wilson 1992;Brundle 2013) oraz możliwe świątynie (Blair 1995) objęto badaniami. Ponadto, wiele rozmaitych aspektów praktyk pogrzebowych poddanych zostało reewaluacji w odniesieniu do anglosaskiego pogaństwa.…”

“…Meanwhile, amulets and artefacts (e.g. Meaney 1981;Wilson 1992;Brundle 2013) and possible shrines (Blair 1995) have been investigated. In addition, many dimensions of the burial record have received attention and reappraisal in relation to Anglo-Saxon paganism.…”