Brooch in the Form of a Six-Pointed Star

late 700s-early 800s
Diameter: 7.7 cm (3 1/16 in.)
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Did You Know?

Look carefully at this brooch and notice a small animal, perhaps a dragon, camouflaged amid the swirling whirls of gold.

Description

Women used brooches like this to fasten their veils beneath the chin. Its rare form--a hexagram--suggests that it also functioned as a talisman or amulet to attract good luck and to ward off evil.
Brooch in the Form of a Six-Pointed Star

Brooch in the Form of a Six-Pointed Star

late 700s-early 800s

Frankish, early Carolingian, late 8th century - early 9th century

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