The Alfred Jewel
The Alfred Jewel is a gold reading pointer formed around a tear shaped rock crystal. This magnificent artifact was discovered in a field a field a few miles away from King Alfred the Great's fortress and monastery at North Petherton, Somerset in 1693 while being plowed. The location this artifact was found at is believed to be where King Alfred the Great had his counter-attack on the Great Army of the Vikings, which led to his much needed military victory at Edington in 878 and the expansion of his authority across the southern half of England.
One of the most significant details besides the intricate complexity of the gold work is the artifact is it is inscripted with the phrase "AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN" along the side, translating out to "Alfred ordered me to be made". Also, the dragon like head at the base of the jewel holds in its mouth a socket which was used to hold the actual pointer (missing) that might've been made from ivory or wood. The figure found on the top layer of the rock crystal is said to represent the sense of sight, perfect for expressing on one's commitment to christian learning. Some manuscripts like the Alfred Jewel were distributed throughout King Alfred's kingdom as pointers used to follow along text to help ones reading.
Source:
“ALFRED JEWEL.” ALFRED JEWEL | Ashmolean Museum, https://www.ashmolean.org/alfred-jewel.
“Alfred Jewel.” The British Library, The British Library, 16 Oct. 2018, https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/alfred-jewel.
“ALFRED JEWEL.” ALFRED JEWEL | Ashmolean Museum, https://www.ashmolean.org/alfred-jewel.
“Alfred Jewel.” The British Library, The British Library, 16 Oct. 2018, https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/alfred-jewel.
I don't think I have ever heard of a "reading pointer", so I find this artifact pretty interesting. I also think it's cool that it had "Alfred had me made" inscribed on it. It's interesting why to claiming something.
ReplyDeleteI guess kind of like those ends of the erasers that you all used to have? I think the lettering on the side is so intricate, and it would be nice to know the exact size. Beautiful artifact!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that it is this great of shape for being in the ground for so long.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a really beautiful piece of art. I think it's a strange idea of how it was just found in a field, like no one cared enough to keep it safe back then.
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