National Geographic Museum Blog

The exact use for the zoomorphic mount is not yet known, however it is likely that it was used as decoration on a shield.

This gold plaque shows two eagles holding a fish between them. There was a plaque with one very similar eagle on the front of the shield found in the Sutton Hoo ship burial, which we think was where King Raedwald of East Anglia was buried.

Source: http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/staritems/fish-and-eagles-zoomorphic-mount

The zoomorphic mount is a gold plate. It is designed in the form of two style II eagles, facing each other and holding a fish vertically between them.
The Staffordshire Hoard plaque was quite badly damaged when it was removed. One one bird was dramatically twisted away, but you can still see traces of its talons on the body of the fish.
Source: http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/staritems/fish-and-eagles-zoomorphic-mount

Our next exhibit centers around the Samurai and will open in mid-March!

In the Western imagination, “samurai” often conjures up warriors, swords, and armor. Rarely do the words “diplomat” and “cultural ambassador” enter the conversation. However these roles are equally important in understanding the legacy of the samurai as a cultural symbol.

In a uniquely Washington look at the storied Japanese warriors, this exhibition presents the transformation of the samurai. They went from being a feudal military class dominating Japanese history from 1185–1867 to serving as a vehicle for building bridges with the West.

Consider the use of the warrior as a diplomatic tool as you examine swords presented to President Ulysses Grant and elaborate suits of armor given to Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt. Illustrations and photographs further chart the role samurai played in relations between the United States and Japan from their first visit in 1860 through the 1930s.

A companion photography gallery displays images by writer, photographer, and geographer Eliza R. Scidmore who made many visits to Japan beginning 1885. The first woman on the National Geographic Board, she played an instrumental role in the gift of the cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington. The iconic trees are celebrating their 100th anniversary since they were planted along the banks of the Potomac and around the Tidal Basin in 1912. Featuring portraits, pearl diving, and tea ceremonies, her hand-tinted photographs reflect a fascination with Japanese people and culture.

This photo is taken by one of our current exhibit photographers. Can you guess who?

At the national Geographic Museum we offer a variety of educational options to make your visit more hands on.

One of these activities is out archaeology backpack.

When entering the Anglo-Saxon Hoard: Gold From England’s Dark Ages exhibit families are encouraged to put on their explorers hats and accept the mission of exploration and discovery.

Throughout their mission they are encouraged to brainstorm why they believed the Hoard was buried.

Here are this week’s winners:

Sam: I think that the treasures could have been buried either to be a sort of collection.  To remember times of glory and protect them. I also think that it was being saved for times of need to help people and give them hope.  It would be memories of triumphs.

Sophie: I think the treasure was buried by thieves to come back to retrieve it later. Also, I think the thieves meant to come back for the hoard but couldn’t so it stayed in the ground forever.    

Name: Samantha Beth S. & Sophie B.

Age: 12 & 13

My theory is that it was buried a long time ago.  They wanted to find a place so people would find it one day.  It was like a time capsule.  They came to own it because they were a king.

Name: Lily R.

Age: 9

We think there was a bottle (or many) and all the armor and weapons from soldiers that died stayed there.  Along the years soil covered the things.  We think these things are broken because of the natural disasters (earthquakes and such). That is our theory.

Name: Shira and Marcus M.

Age: 10 & 7

I think the reason why the hoard was buried was because the Anglo-Saxons were being attached by the Picts, Jutes, and Irish and wanted to hide their gold and wealth and keep it for themselves. That way no one could steal it and become wealthy and powerful.

Name: Emily B

Age: 10

Don’t see your theory here? Check back again!

Read past theories here and here.

Join us tomorrow for this great workshop!

Sign up to attend this workshop for those curious about becoming junior archaeologists.

Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred the Great was known as The Lady of the Mercians.

She has been described as ‘our greatest woman-general’ and as one of the most effective leaders the country ever had. She commanded troops for eight years and ruled a country as well.

She drove back the marauding Danes and seized Watling Street, a strategic highway that represented the border between the Danes and Anglo-Saxons.

In the early summer of 913AD, with her Mercians, she marched to Tamworth, and at the junction of its two rivers, established a fortification.

Aethelflaed also founded a series of Burhs, including Stafford.

She died in Tamworth in 920 AD, an event which resulted in Mercia being merged with Wessex.

Source: http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/history/key-characters/the-lady-of-the-mercians-aethelflaed

Brian Skerry shares the challenges and rewards in creating a unique underwater image of a giant leatherback turtle. Click here to watch the video: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/video/player#/?titleID=skerry-leatherback-turtle-underwater&catID=7