Helmet cheek piece
Helmet cheek piece
What do we know?
Among the most conspicuous finds in the Staffordshire Hoard is the helmet cheek piece.
It is a magnificently decorated cheek-piece, with four bands of running, interlaced, animals.
Interestingly, this piece has a relatively low gold content. This may be the result of being specially alloyed to make it more functional and able to withstand battle blows.
More helmet pieces have been found in the Staffordshire Hoard, though it may take some time to fit the parts together.
One beautiful horse's head is probably the terminal (or end) of a helmet crest.
Large numbers of fragments of "C" sectioned edging and reeded strips, which have also been found, could also be helmet fittings.
Fragments of decorated silver plates have also been found, which probably covered much of the outside of the helmet. Similar plates, but made from tinned bronze, formed part of the Sutton Hoo helmet, found in a rich grave in Suffolk, in 1939.
BMAG Accession number: 2010.0138K0453
PMAG Accession number: 2010.LH.10.K0453
What might it have been used for?
The helmet cheek piece would have formed the side panel of a warrior's helmet.
Key Facts
Weight
82.8 grams
Dimensions
82.2 x 74.9 x 2 mm
Material
Silver gilt, or a low gold alloy