Belt Buckle Loop
Unknown Artist
4th–7th century
Medium
Iron, silver inlay
Dimensions
Overall (attached together with x.209.5, .31, .40): 4 5/8 x 2 3/16 x 1/2 in. (11.7 x 5.6 x 1.3 cm) Overall (loop only): 2 3/16 x 1 5/16 x 9/16 in. (5.6 x 3.4 x 1.4 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Iron
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Museum Accession
Accession Number
X.209.40
Art Historical Context
This exquisite belt buckle loop, crafted by an unknown Frankish artisan between the 4th and 7th centuries, offers a glimpse into the early Medieval world of the Franks—a Germanic people whose kingdom laid the foundations for modern France and Germany. Dating to the Migration Period, when Roman influence waned and tribal societies flourished, such metalwork adorned belts that were essential for warriors, signaling status and identity amid turbulent times. Forged from iron with intricate silver inlay, the loop showcases sophisticated Frankish metalworking techniques. The silver, likely applied ...