Bow Brooch

Unknown

500–550 · Silver, gilt and cast; garnet with unpatterned foil backing; bone; iron spring/pin · Medieval Art

The bow brooch was a component of many Germanic women's dress. In Frankish territory brooches were generally worn in pairs, as decorative elements on a strap hanging from the belt. The bow refers to the bend or curve that links two terminals.

Artist

Unknown

Date

500–550

Medium

Silver, gilt and cast; garnet with unpatterned foil backing; bone; iron spring/pin

Culture

Frankish

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917