Housewives

The seal at the end of this key ring exemplifies the use of material objects to illustrate status. When used as an extra safety precaution on a lock, the seal refers to the owner of the key and marks possession of the object it seals. While the owner of this specific key is unknown, it most likely belonged to a bourgeois lady of the house. The seal itself is fairly meager yet would have been an important symbol for the woman as the manager of the household.

This buckle was found in the Sutton Hoo burial site, which contained an immense hoard of wealth.  Although it is a belt buckle, its appearance is clearly of more importance than its usage.  It is made completely of gold and is intricately decorated, reflecting the high status of the owner.