The Franks/Auzon Casket

Illustration

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
by
published on 02 October 2016
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This spectacular whalebone casket was probably made in the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria. Modelled on early Christian caskets, it was most likely created in a monastery for a significant (perhaps a royal) patron. The casket's imagery, accompanied by runic and Latin inscriptions, come from an array of sources, including Germanic and Roman Legends, the Bible, and historical events. Made in a time where Christianity had not long been established in Anglo-Saxon England, its carvings reflect a wish to convey Christian messages by relating them to the remembered pagan past. Donated by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks. Early 700s. From Auzon, Haute-Loire, Auvergne, modern-day France. (The British Museum, London).

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About the Author

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Amin, O. S. M. (2016, October 02). The Franks/Auzon Casket. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5794/the-franksauzon-casket/

Chicago Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Franks/Auzon Casket." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 02, 2016. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5794/the-franksauzon-casket/.

MLA Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Franks/Auzon Casket." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 02 Oct 2016. Web. 22 Feb 2025.

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