File:Anglo Scandinavian brooch (FindID 786748).jpg

English: Anglo-Scandinavian copper alloy zoomorphic brooch, the flat front tin-coated, with the necks of four animals curving out from the centre, their heads aligned clockwise, the whole having some resemblance to a swastika. The mouths of two are emphasised with a V-sectioned groove. The muzzle of a third is shorter and without a groove while the fourth, similarly small, is incomplete. Decoration comprises nine punched ring-and-dots, one in the centre and a pair on each animal, one of which represents the eye. The pin fittings are Anglo-Scandinavian (Kershaw 2013, figs. 2.1 and 2.2), a high, C-shaped catchplate (Anglo-Saxon) and a double, H-shaped lug with an iron spindle (Scandinavian). Dimensions 32.6 and 35.9mm. Thickness (excluding pin fittings) 2.5mm. Height of catchplate 12.5mm. Weight 10.13g. 10th century.

A good parallel from Sussex has recently come to light (SUSS-7B3167).

Field JG2

Jane Kershaw kindly comments:

When I was researching the origins of the 'East Anglian' series I came across this mount in the British Museum believed to be of Scythian origin, but in fact a fake (although likely based on a genuine original). The clockwise motion of the animal heads; the hatching; the evenly-spaced 'eyes'; and the relationship between the animals and the central feature, are all recalled by the interlacing tendril motif of the 'East Anglian' series. <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=92517&partId=1&searchText=1910,0714.1&page=1">http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=92517&partId=1&searchText=1910,0714.1&page=1</a>

This item, in turn, seemed to relate to a silver pendant from a late Viking-Age burial from Grytten, Norway, which may have been old when buried and which was also believed to be of 'oriental' origin. The arms on this pendant have a zoomorphic feel. The loops of the four florid arms do not knot, and in this sense parallel the interlace on the East Anglian Series, although I stopped short of drawing a connection between the two.

There are some possible links to the extensive Borre-style disc brooches. There are some interesting overlaps with this brooch. Perhaps it was made locally, based on an import of eastern origin that had ended up in Scandinavia, and then Norfolk. I would be tempted to say 10th century, perhaps the later part, although I do not think the animals have a distinct Scandinavian style. The ring-and-dots and fittings do seem to link it to Anglo-Scandinavian styles generally.