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Anglo Saxon Crystal Balls
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Almost exclusive to Kent, no one is really sure how or why these Anglo Saxon crystal balls were used.

Anglo Saxon Crystal Balls

Lyn finds the Anglo Saxon crystal balls really intriguing. They're almost exclusively found in Kent which makes them of very local interest, and we still don’t know how or why they were used. Some think they had a practical use – for magnifying delicate and tiny metalwork which the Saxons were known for creating, or even as fancy firelighters! But the most likely explanation is that they were for divination – for some sort of magic, which makes them even more fascinating.

These crystal balls were found in ladies graves in Kent and lay between the thighs. They were most likely suspended at the front of the clothing. Crystal balls have been found on the Continent too, but where found in Kent they seem to be mainly found in unusually rich graves and accompanied by silver spoons, perforated in the bowl. The crystal itself is made from quartz and there are many theories as to their uses.

This particular piece was found at Bifrons Cemetery, Patrixbourne, Kent, in grave number 42. Bifrons Cemetery dates to around AD 475-575 and was excavated by TB Godfrey-Fausset in 1867. Around 100 graves were discovered and further graves appear to have been opened but not recorded.

Accession Number: KAS 314