Copper-alloy, 15.70 grams, 95.77 mm. 5th-6th century AD. Girdle hangers are a decorative item from the costume of early Anglian women; most are too delicate to have been used regularly, and it is believed that they may be 'symbolic keys' showing the woman's place as controller of the household. The piece is a good example of the evolved type of girdle hanger: a straight T-shaped bar with swept-back wings which are joined to the bar by short connectors , ad with scrolled finials which imitate the bird-head detailing on cruciform and other brooches. The upper section of the bar thickens to accept a lateral piercing for suspension; below this is a section of transverse ribbing moulded to resemble an inverted horse-head, another feature drawn from contemporary brooch design. Reference: MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, p.230-1 items 42.7,8. Fine condition, some restoration to the bar. Provenance: from an old English collection, found East Anglia.