From 6th century Denmark, the Gummersmark Brooch is made of silver gilt and is a little less that six inches tall. It employs the animal style that was prevalent in the tie period and each section of the piece is very precisely and intricately made. Notice the large, rectangular, medallion-like plates for posting, the arches bow, and the repeated animal theme decorations. You can see a man compressed between two dragons, recurring beaks and eyes, monster heads, and crouching dogs, as well as the recurring geometric motif emphasized by the symmetry of the piece. These images depict the spiritual process of turning from human into animal, also called anthropomorphism. The surface was polished with a glittering material to emphasize the value and worth.

The High Cross of Muiredach found in Ireland was modeled after the metal crosses made during the time period out of sandstone and was used as container for holy relics. The designs on the cross are very details and tell countless stories from the bible. The panels show images like Moses striking the rock for water, David and Goliath, Cain and Abel, and Adam and Eve. There are figures around Christ who sits in his majesty at the intersection of the cross such as David, the devil, and a recurring dove that represents the Holy Spirit. The symbolism and imagery of the cross is very intense, seeing as it depicts the devil attempting to tear souls away from Christ while good souls are looking toward the Magi with adulation.

Both pieces here represent a spiritual journey, however to very different paths. The Brooch could almost be used for some kind of pagan explanation, while the cross is a very orthodox, Christian piece of artwork.