5th C. Frankish Visigoth Silver Bow Fibula Glass Inlays

**Originally Listed At $1500**

Western / Central Europe, Frankish or Visigoth culture, Migration Period, ca. 5th to 6th century CE. A stunning 67.2% to 76.4% silver cast bow shaped fibulae with a radiating hemispherical sun-shaped face, the rest of the surface embellished with low relief scrolling shapes and red glass inlays. The verso has a copper backplate to reinforce the silver and this contains part of the coiled spring and catch that would have secured a pin that fastened this fibula to clothing- usually this type was a shoulder clasp for women as a beautiful and functional accessory! This fibula was created during a period of immense social unrest when it was wise to wear your treasures on your person for safekeeping and to demonstrate status. The "sunrise" shaped section with radiating arms might symbolize the Christian theme of resurrection or salvation after death, and many of these fibula were buried with the deceased. Size: 6" L x 2.75" W (15.2 cm x 7 cm); silver quality: 67.2% to 76.4%; weight: 61.2 grams

For a similar example of this type please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 17.191.173, and the Rhode Island School of Design's museum website, object number: 32.055.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175354
Condition Report: Loss to bezels around inlays, and fissure and chips to inlays. Loss to tip of finial arm, and perforation. Obverse face has been cleaned and polished. Areas of dark toning and green patina on reverse.