Merovingian Bronze Bird Brooch

£ 295.00

A Merovingian bronze brooch of a stylised bird, most likely an eagle. The bird is depicted in profile facing left with a hooked beak. Dense, small, incised dots decorate the entirety of the surface framed by a thick boarder. The original pin lug (now blocked) and part of the catch-plate are visible on the reverse and would have secured the pin, which is now missing.

Date: Circa 5th-6th century AD
Provenance: ‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
Condition: Fine condition with patination to the surface. Remains of pin lug and catchplate to reverse, pin now missing.

SOLD

SKU: CY-109 Category: Tags: , ,

The Merovingians were kings and leaders of the Franks, during the beginning of the medieval period. Their rule followed the demise of the Western Roman Empire, ruling over the majority of their lands. Though claiming no descent from any gods, they believed their power derived from symbols and beliefs. The symbols of the crescent moon, the bee and the fleur-de-lis, for example, were considered significant to the Merovingians, referring to divine harmony in nature and masculinity, respectively. Like many other civilisations, they were nomadic, producing items that were easily transportable. Many of Merovingian objects have been excavated from burials.

Weight 6.3 g
Dimensions L 4.1 x W 2.3 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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