Bracelet with zoomorphic tips
Byzantium
Middle or second half of V Century AD
Migration Period
Gold, garnets, paste filler; casting, soldering, engraving, inlay, grinding, assembly
8,3 х 6,3 cm
Receipt: purchased at auction, 1904
Showcase 10
The golden hinge bracelet is a magnificent example of the style of jewelry typical for Migration Period. It is a part of the so-called "The Kiev treasure" (in addition to the bracelet, it included a golden buckle with a cloisonné inlay with glass inserts and a golden twisted torc). The bracelet is hollow inside. It consists of two halves connected by a screw lock. Its tips are made in the shape of heads of predator animals, possibly wolves. Snarling mouths, hair on the head and neck are shown by engraving. The eyes, brow arches, ears and withers of animals are portrayed by garnet "cloisonné" inlays. Cloisonné inlay is a technique when the ornament created by applying vertical partitions soldered to the base. The resulting sockets are filled with garnet inserts.
More information..."The Kiev treasure" is a rare, but not the only find of prestigious items of the post-Hunnic period in Eastern Europe and Northern Caucasus. The treasure indicates that its owner belonged to the highest level of the barbarian aristocracy. Most of these items are of Byzantine origin and may have been made specifically as payment to distinguished warriors for service, as well as diplomatic gifts.
Functional purpose: jewelry, a prestigious item.
Notice of uniqueness: analogs of the Kiev treasure bracelet were found in Egypt, modern Hungary, Germany, Scandinavia, Finland, in the Crimea and on the Taman Peninsula.
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