As a keen amateur archaeologists and lucky discover of a number of Saxon artefacts I would like to share my thoughts on the strange key-like object that is known as the Girdle Hanger. Often found at female skeletons waist,once attached to a belt,this have been traditionally thought of as symbolic 'keys',signifying the woman's domestic power over the house. This is strange as Saxon keys are rare,usually in iron,and look nothing like these long t-shaped objects. My thoughts are that these are a hair accessory,used to pull a braided style from the females flowing locks,possibly symbolically relating to married women. The modern day equivilent is a loop on a plastic handle,commonly sold on the shopping channels in the early 2000's. I wonder what your thoughts are,and on any other enigmatic grave goods?
