A Belt-Buckle from The Caucasus

02 April 2020

This type of large bronze plaque belongs to the Caucasian animal stylistic tradition but is typical of Georgia (2nd-3rd century AD). A horse (horned?) is surrounded by other small animals to complete the openwork decoration, typical of the jewellery of the nomads of the Steppes and the horse breeders of the Transcaucasian regions. 

The original function as a belt buckle fulfilled by such plaques seems attested by the fact that they are found at pelvis level and are often equipped with a loop and a hook on the reverse.

Openwork belt buckle. The Caucasus. 2nd century CE. Bronze. Width 14.3 cm. Former Prof. Sarre then Dr Rudolf Schmidt collections (1900-1970), acquired c. 1950. Inv. 240-201. Photo Studio Ferrazzini Bouchet. Musée Barbier-Mueller.

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