A remarkable discovery in rural England has shed new light on the complex practices of early Anglo-Saxon society. Metal detectorists unearthed a collection of high-status gold and garnet pendants, suggesting they were deliberately buried – possibly as part of a symbolic act to sever their connection to past owners. The find raises questions about how status symbols were handled during a period of religious and political upheaval.
The Discovery and Its Uniqueness
In the spring of 2023, two detectorists uncovered four gold pendants and a fragment of a brooch near Donington on Bain, Lincolnshire. Unlike typical archaeological finds where such jewelry appears in graves, this collection was isolated on a hillside. The pendants bear signs of wear, modification, and age – dating back at least 60 years before burial. This is unusual, as these items were not new when hidden away.
Why This Matters: Status, Religion, and Power
The pendants’ context is what makes them significant. High-status women in 7th-century England commonly wore gold-and-garnet jewelry, but its appearance in this isolated location suggests something beyond simple loss or abandonment. The scallop shape of one pendant, often linked to fertility and early Christian symbolism, hints at a deeper cultural meaning.
The deliberate removal of these pendants from circulation could represent a “ritual killing” of their previous power and prestige. In a time when kingdoms shifted and Christianity gained ground, such an act would have symbolically broken ties to the elite who once possessed them.
The Context of Early England
During the late sixth and seventh centuries, England was a patchwork of kingdoms undergoing dramatic change. The adoption of Christianity disrupted traditional social structures, while political instability was rife. Lincolnshire, where the hoard was found, cycled between control by Northumbria and Mercia. Burying or destroying jewelry could have been a way to eliminate links to individuals or groups whose authority was waning.
Alternative Explanations
While a symbolic act seems likely, other possibilities exist. The pendants may have come from a goldsmith’s hoard, where antique materials were recycled into new pieces. Grave-robbing, though brutal, was also common, and the pendants could have been stolen before being hidden.
However, the lack of beads or spacers needed to string the pendants into a necklace suggests they were not intended for immediate reuse. One possibility is that women deliberately concealed their own possessions during periods of unrest.
The Future of Research
The Lincoln Museum acquired the collection in 2025, ensuring its preservation. Further excavation at the Donington site could clarify the hoard’s true purpose, offering deeper insight into the shifting social and political landscape of seventh-century England.
This discovery underscores how even seemingly simple objects can reveal complex cultural practices. By studying how people handled their possessions, we gain a more nuanced understanding of their beliefs, fears, and ambitions.
