Dark Age Tinned Bronze Bird Head Finial

£ 200.00

A tinned bronze finial in form of a stylised bird’s head, dating to the Dark Ages. The piece is composed of an octagonal tubular body, which would have held a shaft, and a hooked protrusion to the top, resembling a beak. Slightly constricted at the shaft-hole, the beak presents a rectangular lug to either side, possibly served as lateral guides for a strap. Aligned rows of incised ring-and-dot motifs decorate the entirety of the surface.

Date: Circa 6th-7th century AD
Provenance: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Condition: Fine condition. Pierced hole to the bottom of shaft.

SOLD

The Dark Ages refers to the Early Middle Ages in Europe following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. This time period was thought to be a time of economic, intellectual, and cultural set back after the huge political collapse of the Roman Empire. This occurred when feudalism emerged and gave rise to the Catholic Church, which held extensive power and was feared and obeyed by the people.

Weight 35.4 g
Dimensions L 3.9 x W 3.9 cm
Culture

Region

Metal