Ostrogothic Bronze Radiate-Headed Bow Brooch c5th Century

Description

Heading: Ostrogothic bronze radiate-headed bow brooch c5th century

Material: Copper alloy (bronze)

Period: Saxon 5th to 6th century

Date: 5th-6th century

Origin: Germanic tribes (Ostrogothis/Visigothic) later Saxon

Condition: VF, pin missing which is often the case

Description: D-shaped head-plate with five extended knops, short bow and tapering finial, linear decoration head-plate and bow; catch-plate to reverse, pin missing but the catch-plate and pin lug are present.

Size and Weight: 120mm x 60mm, 44g

References: cf. Hattatt’s ‘Ancient Brooches’ p 381

Features and Provenance:  This type of brooch originated in western Europe and spread during the early 5th century to Germanic tribes, to the Franks and then to Saxon England, especially to the court at Canterbury, Kent. It is believed to have been often worn by women, probably due to its flamboyant nature, but also as it has been found in high-status female burials in southern England. Typically, the pin is missing, but this is still an outstanding piece and unusually large. They are also known to have been made from a combination of precious metals which would have been a magnificent sight.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible