Western Europe, France/Gaul, Merovingian Dynasty, ca. 6th century CE. A parcel-gilt silver fibula (brooch) incorporating a half-circle headplate with spoked grooves and three projecting knobs, an arched bow with a pronounced central ridge, and a long, pointed foot plate decorated with grooves and geometric motifs. Two deep-red cabochon garnets are inlaid into the projections that sprout from the sides of the footplate. Size: 1.6" W x 2.8" H (4.1 cm x 7.1 cm); height on stand: 3.9" (9.9 cm) (8.5 g)

Merovingian and other cultural styles from the period after the fall of the Roman Empire - variously referred to as the Dark Ages, the Migration Period, or, more archaically, the Period of Barbarian Invasions - appeal to us not only because of their extraordinary beauty, but because they are rarely seen today. The Merovingians were a Frankish dynasty who ruled a large portion of western and central Europe for approximately three hundred years. During that time, they practiced a pagan religion in which people were buried with vast wealth. For example, silver parcel-gilt items like this one have been found in the tombs of warriors such as one in Vermand, France. Precious metal and red stones were often used in Migration period jewelry to denote the most elite individuals, inspired by contact with Greek colonies along the Black Sea, who in turn began to cater to pagan clients. The garnets themselves probably originated in Burma and traveled to European shores via India and the Silk Road. A beautiful item like this one would have been used to fasten a mantle at the shoulder.

Provenance: ex-French collection

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#123483

End of pin is lost. Patina on surface, with much gilt remaining.