Savage warrior: Sutton Hoo Helmet

This war helmet made in the 7th century AD is terrifying. Look into its dark eyeholes. They contain memories of savage battles and weird myths and monsters howling outside the mead hall. This richly decorated work of martial art – observe the gilded moustache on the face mask – would have helped its user set aside his gentle everyday self and transform into a berserk warrior, a personification of death. Found in the ship burial at Sutton Hoo, today it transports us into the world of the Saxons
Illustration: Photograph: The Trustees of the British Museum