A gold broach from the 7th century uncovered in Basel, Switzerland.
Due Diligence in Switzerland Reveals Gorgeous Medieval Gold Brooch
Archaeological excavations ahead of work to expand heating pipes in Kleinbasel, the Rhine port and industrial area of Basel in Switzerland, has uncovered fifteen graves dating back to the early medieval period. Some of these ancient burials included numerous and valuable artifacts. The highlight of these a beautiful gold robe clasp.
Medieval Gold Brooch Dating Back 1,400 years
This medieval gold brooch, known as a fibula, was found within the grave of a 20-year-old woman who lived in the 7th century. It was found in November by staff from Archaeological Soil Research in the Riehentorstrasse, Rebgasse area.
The team reported that 17 studs of blue glass and green garnet decorated the surface of the clasp once upon a time, a fact which indicates her exalted social status. In fact, the archaeologists postulate that her family likely owned property in the rural hinterland of Kleinbasel roughly 1,400 years ago.
The presence of a medieval burial ground at this site has been known since the 19th century, with a rescue archaeology excavation being carried out in the area prior to the installation of new utility pipes. The woman in question had her grave and skeleton accidentally crushed during construction work in the 20th century, but at the time the gold brooch remained undiscovered, reports Archaeologie.
A Beautiful Brooch for a Beautiful Woman?
The medieval gold disc brooch was made from a non-ferrous metal base plate topped with gold. The disc was inlaid with green garnet gemstones and blue glass, adorned with gold wire filigree. It most likely held a cloak around the woman’s neck, which is now unfortunately lost. This kind of brooch, also known as disc fibulae, was used in the earlier part of the Middle Ages around Europe. They are considered the most common style of Anglo-Saxon brooch.
The brooch was likely serving a closure for a coat, with outstanding filigree craftsmanship. Filigree is an ornamental work of finely layered gold or silver, which is then delicately traced. Worked upon by an early medieval goldsmith, it has a base plate made of non-ferrous metal, with a gold cover on it. It’s been decorated with overlaid filigree of gold wire and inlays of blue glass and light green garnet. It was after this that the gemstones were glued in.