Early medieval Gold Merovingian silver-gilt bird brooch with Garnet Eye

Merovingian silver-gilt bird (Raven) brooch with Garnet Eye. Bird fibulae became popular at the end of the 5th century and remain so throughout the 6th century. They were usually worn as a pair, often in combination with a “Radiate-head” brooch. These fibulae belonged to upper class individuals. The significance of the bird-motif probably lies in the aristocratic cult of the god wodan, who, lik his Scandinavian counterpart Odinn, was able to transform himself into a bird. Also the raven was know as “a beast of battle”. Eagles, ravens, wolfs where know as scavengers of dead warriors. They believed that the animals brought the spirits to the otherworld. Source: Cf. Menghin: The Merovingian Period: Europe Without Borders & Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde Bd. 8, Berlin 1994, S. 541-582m (Fibel und Fibeltracht) . Material: Silver-gilt Weight: 6. 42 g. Date: Migration period, Merovingian, 6th century AD Measurement: 30 x 18 mm Condition: Extremely fine, the iron pin is no longer present as is often the case. Provenance: Dutch private collection - the pin is missing Certificate of authenticity included. International registered Delivery. Provenance: The Supplier warrants that is has obtained this lot in a legal manner. From a private Dutch collection. Important information: The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.