Purse Lid
What is it?
This elaborate and decorative object was uncovered in a ship burial excavation dated to 625 A.D.
Where could I find it?
It is in the Sutton Hoo exhibit of the British Museum in London.
What is it made of?
The object was carefully made from gold, glass, and garnet (all inorganic).
How big is it?
It sits at 8.3 centimeters tall and 19 centimeters long, excluding its clasps that would attach it to a purse.
What could happen to it?
Even though gold is slow to corrode, pollutants in the atmosphere--including dust and oxygen-containing compounds--can spark or speed up chemical reactions that will damage fragile metals. Contaminants on human hands can also lead to metal corrosion and discoloring. Dust and tiny debris can also build up on the glass surfaces, making the object dirty and attracting water molecules, which can cause further damage.