A belt as a showcase

In the early Middle Ages, wearing a leather belt was an absolute necessity. You could hook anything on to it, ready for use. Wealthy men and dignitaries used to decorate their belts to show off with. For example, by attaching a bronze disc to it. 

Early medieval people used to have purses on them: pouches containing grooming necessities such as tweezers and an ear spoon. Almost everyone also had a knife - safely tucked away in a leather sheath - attached to their belt. 

Women usually opted for slightly smaller knives, scissors and keys: symbols of their authority over the house. These items would eventually go with them to the grave. Men, especially those belonging to the elite, showed their status, power and bravery by hooking large knives and beautifully decorated swords on to their belts. 

Complete swords are rarely found, but parts of them that were less sensitive to decay have survived time, such as bone cross-guards, (quillons), sword scabbard tip protectors (chapes) and decorative hilt-ends (pommels).