This piece was found in a treasure-laden ship from a burial mound at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England. It is made up of gold, glass, and enamel cloisonne with garnets and emeralds. The right and left sides of the cover mirror each other. Towards the center two eagles are depicted attacking ducks. On either side of these birds lie depictions of men being attacked on either side by beasts. The attacking figures are snugly and artistically fitted together with their victims. Above the eagles is an interlacing pattern of two writhing animal figures. Geometric designs were placed above each human figure. The entire piece is beautiful with intricate and symmetric design, violent in its subject matter, and even serves a practical purpose.
History of Western Art & Music 