Mount for Spear Shaft

Unknown

ca. 400 · Silver-gilt, niello · Medieval Art

This object comes from the Vermand Treasure, the most richly appointed barbarian-warrior grave ever found. The grave was likely that of an auxiliary soldier stationed in the Roman province of Gaul. It also contained a shield, parts of which of which are on view in the Arms and Armor Galleries. The six-pointed interlaced star, so prominent on this mount, was not at this time a Jewish symbol; it appears as a decorative motif in both Roman and Germanic art.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 400

Medium

Silver-gilt, niello

Culture

Late Roman

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917