Brooch, brass alloy, cast. Trefoil shape, center trefoil geometric face motif, each! appendage w/ cast alloy curvilinear abstract human figure, decorative slashes on appendage circumference; pin soldered to back. 5.5cms length Possibly replica w/ modern pin. Originally Frankish, used to hold three leather straps together on chest; when Vikings raided the Franks, the loot brought back may have contained an example which acquired Norse animal design revisions; Ref: "Arts of Denmark" Det Berlingske Bogtrykkeri, pp28,30. "The Vikings", Brøndsted, pl. 7, no. c. "Norwegian Design", Hopstock, p.17
Donor:
Phoebe Apperson Hearst
Collection place:
Norway
Verbatim coll. place:
Norway
Collector:
Phoebe Apperson Hearst
Object type:
ethnography
Function:
2.2 Personal Adornments and Accoutrements
Accession date:
1909
Department:
Europe and western Russia (except Classical Mediterranean)