Art of the early germanic peoples By Christopher Jason Sellers.

This early 8th century work is a carved relief in whale bone. According to the British Museum, carved on the sides and top are scenes from Roman, Jewish, Christian and Germanic traditions and stories. Runes on the front of the piece, tell a riddle of a beached whale, describing where the bones to make this box came from.

This bell was said to have been made for the Glankeen Monastery. Completed in the 12th century, the elaborate outer case was added. The outer case displays early Viking influence on Germanic art. The outer case initially had encrusted jewels but is no longer part of the piece. The early medieval custom of enshrining items that once belonged to those that started churches and/or monasteries came to a peak in Ireland around the twelfth century

This Viking bracelet has interwoven gold that was perfected by early Roman Goldsmiths. Much like this bracelet, the Vikings culture was interwoven with early Roman and other local Germanic tribes. Bracelets like this one were often used to show loyalty or fealty to a particular Lord or Leader. They were sometimes known as fealty rings or torques.

These early Germanic buckles are taken directly from the Roman Empires designs. Roman Soldiers would wear buckles similar to these, to fasten articles of clothing or a cloak on their shoulders. The buckles, although taken from the Romans, shows a very distinct Germanic trait. The sides are adorned with two birds, a common motif in early Germanic art.

This vessel, although much older than the Holy Roman Empire, can trace its heritage back to the Etruscan society. Fashioned by the Celts, it is almost certainly based on Etruscan/Early Roman style. This vessel, made in the early to mid 3rd century BC, was made using a potters wheel. Potters wheels wouldn't be commonly used for creating these for another 300 years.

This original helmet comprised an iron cap, neck guard, cheek pieces and face mask. Its form derives from Late Roman cavalry helmets. Although early Anglo-Saxon created, the Roman influence is very noticeable. Only four complete helmets have been found from Anglo-Saxon England. The item shown is a replica made by the Royal Armouries.

This object is one of the most extraordinary objects to survive the Anglo-Saxon period. Its a four-sided whetstone, carved from a hard, fine-grained stone. Whetstones were used to sharpen blades. This whetstone would almost certainly have only been used ceremoniously due to the intricate and ornate details of the piece.

Although found in Tunisia, this mosaic possibly depicts a Vandal dressed in typical attire for the time. This mosaic and the tiles were a part of the later Roman Empire, after the Vandals sacked Rome. The building in the background is that of Roman architecture and of the period but scholars are still unsure of the artists actual depiction.

This silver hoard was found in a Dutch village that was once home to a Viking tribe. Two of the coins were minted in the name of Charles the Bald, mid 9th century, grandson of Charlemagne. The jewelry’s style, especially the decoration on the bracelets and the necklace, shows that the jewelry was made in Denmark. In the mid 800s, the Dutch coastal areas and Dorestad came under Danish rule.

This chain and pendant set was hidden by an eastern Germanic dynasty of Kings from early to mid 5th century AD. The chain and pendants show heavy Roman influence and even has Neptunes spear displayed. On the ring above the quartz piece is a pendant depicting a man in a dug-out boat, similar to that of early Germanic people. The other remaining pendants are miniature tools and weapons.