Object Image

Bow Brooch

Unknown Artist

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.

Credit: Gift of Alastair Bradley Martin, 1948

Late 5th-early 6th century
Silver-gilt
8.7 x 5.9cm
48.154.3
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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