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Bow fibula

Ostrogoth Goldsmithc. 520 AD

Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama
Torino, Italy

This fibula of Ostrogothic origin is made of silver, with gold cloisonné compartments, green glass and garnets. The semicircular top is adorned with four stylised eagle heads, while the foot bears an interlaced-ribbon motif. In Germanic culture, these fibulae were used to fasten the mantle at shoulder height. It was discovered in mysterious circumstances in Desana, in an area between Vercelli and the Po River, together with other precious objects. A total of 47 items were found, including earrings, bracelets, pendants, rings, and spoons in silver, gold, and precious stones, dating from the fourth or fifth century AD, clearly illustrating Ostrogothic and Late Roman goldsmithing

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  • Title: Bow fibula
  • Creator: Ostrogoth Goldsmith
  • Creator Lifespan: 6th century AD - 6th century AD
  • Date: c. 520 AD
  • Physical Dimensions: w6 x h13,8 cm
  • Finding: Desana, Italy
  • Date of acquisition: 1938
  • Culture: Ostrogothic
  • Acquisition: Purchased from Pietro Accorsi, Turin
  • Provenance: Museo Civico d'Arte Antica - Palazzo Madama, Turin
  • Type: Pins (fasteners)
  • Rights: http://www.palazzomadamatorino.it/copyright.php
  • External Link: Museo civico d'arte antica - Palazzo Madama, Turin
  • Medium: Silver, gold, green glass, garnets, green vitreous enamel
Palazzo Madama

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