Bow Brooch

Unknown

late 6th–early 7th century · Silver-gilt, niello · Medieval Art

The menagerie of zoomorphic creatures here, with ribbonlike bodies and heads with long jaws, characterize Langobardic jewelry in the 500s and early 600s. Animal heads project from the edges, and a stylized human face is hidden on the back.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 6th–early 7th century

Medium

Silver-gilt, niello

Culture

Langobardic

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1955