The display of wealth and its role in establishing social status in early Anglo-Saxon society appears to have similarities to contemporary practices. One remarkable artifact that showcases this is the wallet cover from Sutton Hoo, which stands as the richest discovery of its kind.
This wallet cover was designed to enclose a leather pouch containing gold coins. It was suspended from three belt loops and secured with a gold buckle. Although the cover itself is significantly deteriorated, it is believed to have been crafted from whalebone, an exceptionally valuable material in early Anglo-Saxon England. Embedded in the cover are seven ornate plaques made of gold, cloisonné garnet, and glass millefiori. These plaques feature a combination of both large and small garnets, skillfully arranged to accentuate the details of the depicted image. This combination of materials suggests that the purse cap, along with thin shoulder clasps also found in the ship's burial site, might have been created by a single craftsman. It's possible that this craftsman was responsible for crafting the entire collection of gold and garnet jewelry found in Kurgan 1 as a unified ensemble.
On these plaques, there are depictions of double images—a bird of prey attacking a duck-like bird above and a man standing heroically between the two animals. While the exact significance of these images remains elusive, they must have held great importance for the Anglo-Saxons. The fierce creatures likely symbolized strength and courage, qualities essential for a successful leader of men. Interestingly, similar depictions of a man positioned between animals are also known from Scandinavian contexts, hinting at shared cultural elements or influences between the regions.