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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1978.495.44
Title
Strap End
Other Titles
Former Title: Attachment
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture
Date
7th century
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period
Middle Ages, Early
Culture
Italian, Lombard
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/310531

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
6.1 x 0.6 x 0.5 cm (2 3/8 x 1/4 x 3/16 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina is green and brown with a few spots of cuprite. This object is in good structural condition, although the two loops at the top are not complete. Coarse file marks on one side of the strap end go through the corrosion products and into the metal, and they may have been produced during the cleaning of the piece sometime after its excavation.

This object was cast in one piece with the two loops on the underside. The upper surface of the piece is smooth except for the circular decorations that appear to have been fashioned with a type of compass, which became slightly misaligned. Without further evidence, it is difficult to tell whether the indentations and protrusions on the sides of the object were enhanced by cold working.


Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2001)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Formerly in the collection of the Peabody Museum of Harvard University, no. E-2321.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University
Accession Year
1978
Object Number
1978.495.44
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This strap end would have been one part of a set of belt fittings. The overall shape is roughly triangular, with the sides scalloped and the underside hollow (1). There are four concentric circle decorative elements on the top, with a fifth, smaller concentric circle and round knob protrusion on the bottom. On the top, there are two loops, but the top section of both loops is missing. On the back, two rectangular strips of metal stick out with a small hole in each for attachment.

NOTES:

1. Compare W. Menghin, ed., The Merovingian Period. Europe without Borders: Archaeology and History of the 5th to 8th centuries, exh. cat., Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow; Hermitage, St. Petersberg (Berlin, 2007) 555, no. 8.15.2.


Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu