Merovingian filigree brooch and gold bracteate

Material: Silver, Gold, Bronze, Glass inlay
Date: Mid-6th Century AD to Early 7th Century AD
Origin: Caulaincourt, Dep. Aisne (F); Berlin-Britz (D); Süd- und Westdeutschland (D); Nordfrankreich (F)

This section highlights examples of elite Merovingian jewelry, including a filigree disc-brooch and a gold bracteate. The Filigranscheibenfibel (Filigree disc-brooch) is made of silver and gold, demonstrating sophisticated Frankish goldsmith work from the late 6th/early 7th century AD. The Goldbrakteat (Gold bracteate), dating to the mid-6th century AD, is a thinner gold pendant that often carries symbolic or religious imagery.

These objects were powerful markers of high social status, wealth, and regional identity within the Frankish kingdom. Their small size and precious materials contrast with the larger bronze decorative discs and mounts shown nearby. The find spots in France and Germany illustrate the broad geographical reach of this high-status material culture.

Museum label reference: 1 Zierscheiben und -beschläge / Decorative discs and mounts.
Bronze, Glaseinlage. Spätes 6./7. Jh. Süd- und Westdeutschland (D); Nordfrankreich (F).

3 Filigranscheibenfibel / Filigree disc-brooch.
Silber, Gold.
Spätes 6./frühes 7. Jh.
Caulaincourt, Dép. Aisne (F).

4 Goldbrakteat mit Wiederkreuz / Bracteate.
Gold.
Mitte 6. Jh. Berlin-Britz (D).

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