description Alfred Jewel Overview
The Alfred Jewel is an exceptional medieval relic crafted from gold and enamel during the late 9th century. Inscribed with the name Alfred the Great, it’s considered a significant example of Anglo-Saxon artistry. Initially believed to be the handle of a reading pointer, its exact function remains debated. Scholars and those interested in early English history and religious objects find this jewel valuable for understanding the period's craftsmanship and beliefs.
help Alfred Jewel FAQ
Where was the Alfred Jewel discovered, and where is it currently displayed?
The Alfred Jewel was discovered by a laborer in 1693 at Newton Park in Somerset, England. It dates back to the late 9th century and is currently housed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. It remains one of the most famous surviving artifacts from the Anglo-Saxon period.
What does the inscription on the Alfred Jewel say?
The Alfred Jewel features an Old English inscription that reads "AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN," which translates to "Alfred ordered me to be made." This inscription links the exquisite gold and enamel object directly to King Alfred the Great. It was likely the handle of a reading pointer used by the King.
What is the practical purpose of the Alfred Jewel, and why did King Alfred commission it?
Historians widely believe the Alfred Jewel functioned as the handle of a reading pointer, used to follow text lines in religious manuscripts. King Alfred the Great reportedly gifted these pointers to bishops across his kingdom to promote literacy and religious learning. The teardrop shape ends in a stylized animal head, likely a boar, designed to hold the pointer.
What materials were used to construct the Alfred Jewel?
The Alfred Jewel features a remarkable cloisonné enamel centerpiece enclosed within a thick gold frame. The quartz crystal covering the enamel is shaped like a teardrop, protecting the image of a seated man believed to represent sight. It is an exquisite example of Anglo-Saxon goldsmithing craftsmanship.
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