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Franks Casket

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description Franks Casket Overview

The Franks Casket is a remarkably preserved eighth-century Anglo-Saxon reliquary crafted primarily from whalebone. It’s notable for its intricate carving depicting scenes blending Germanic mythological narratives like the story of Sigurd with Roman imperial history and emerging Christian symbolism. The casket offers valuable insight into the cultural exchange and artistic practices of the period, particularly appealing to historians studying early medieval art, religion, and the transition between pagan and Christian beliefs within Anglo-Saxon England.

help Franks Casket FAQ

Where is the Franks Casket displayed today?

The Franks Casket is in the British Museum in London, where it has been on display since 1890 when it was bequeathed by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks. Three of its panels are in London, but the right-end panel has been held by the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Florence since the 19th century.

What material is the Franks Casket made from, and why?

It is carved from whalebone rather than wood or metal, which is referenced in the runic inscription itself — one panel describes the whale from whose bone the casket was made. Whalebone was a prized medium in early medieval Northumbria for fine carving.

What scenes are depicted on the panels of the Franks Casket?

The panels mix imagery from Germanic legend (Weyland the Smith), Roman history (the Sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70), Christian narrative (the Adoration of the Magi), and Germanic myth (an obscure legend involving Egil). One of the most striking features is the runic inscriptions surrounding each scene.

Why is it called the 'Franks' Casket, and how old is it?

It is named after Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, the British Museum curator who acquired and donated it in the 19th century. The casket itself dates to the early 8th century and was likely produced in a Northumbrian monastery.

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