Aestels are small, precious objects from the Anglo-Saxon period. They vary in decoration, with the most opulent being the Alfred Jewel in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Inv. no. AN1836.p135.371). From their domed bodies, flat bases, and riveted sockets, they have long been interpreted as manuscript pointers. However, the recently discovered Galloway Hoard from early medieval Scotland reveals three gold anthropomorphic pieces similar to the present example with remains of silk braids in their sockets, perhaps suggesting an alternative use (see inv. nos. X.2018.12.71.20.1-3 in the National Museums, Scotland).

This zoomorphic aestel is a particularly large and ornate example of the type. The beast’s eyes and nostrils are set with blue glass inlays, possible ears marked by thin strips of sheet gold, and much of the face intricately decorated with gold granulation and filigree. It is formed of two gold sheets and therefore hollow inside, with the end tapering in not a socket but a probable suspension loop instead. The most comparable aestel to this was found in South Norfolk, and acquired by the Norwich Castle Museum (Inv. no. 2018.9) after being declared treasure (2016 T760).