This warrior's mask/helmet was part of the famous find at Sutton Hoo. An Anglo-Saxon rowing ship (80'x14') was hauled a half mile from the sea, up about 100 feet in elevation, then buried with jewelry, weapons, gold coins and a purse to hold them, iron items, enormous 'drinking-horns,' textiles and a finely worked shield.  

     The aesthetic beauty of these and other pieces suggest that the Germanic people were not entirely 'barbarian' as, e.g., the Huns. On the other hand, this mask was not a party-favorite used at the Socialite Grand Ball.  

      Although not entirely certain, most historians believe it to be the burial ship of 7th-century King Redwald of East Anglia (became the fourth Bretwalda of the Seven Kingdoms in 616) of whom Bede (monk of Jarrow) wrote about in his History. 

       Historians also equate these artifacts with those written of in the poem Beowulf, i.e., early Anglo-Saxons who invaded Britain, beat back the local Britons (represented by King Arthur and Camelot), then settled in "Angle-Land" permanently.

       Other examples of Germanic weaponry suggest both how deadly they were, and why these invaders were so successful at carving out a place to live on the island. Click to see some Germanic Jewelry.