A suite of substantial sheet gold belt fittings comprising: fifteen tongue-shaped tags each with four pyramidal bosses to the upper face and beaded wire border, fixing stud with large granule finial, many with remains of the original leather strap inside; seven panels each with two pyramidal bosses, beaded wire borders, slot below to accept a strap, pierced lugs to the reverse; seven similar panels with bosses and beaded wire, lugs to the reverse; possibly Khazar workmanship. [29]

PROVENANCE:
From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s.

FOOTNOTES:
The group represents the suite of fittings from a high-status belt. The plaques with slots to the lower edge would have been used to support the mounting straps for a pouch and a possibly dagger. Waist belts with rich decoration formed an important element in displaying both wealth and social status in the early medieval world, which can be seen in the numerous suites of fittings with gold, silver and gems which appear from the steppe to western Europe.