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LOT 0275
Post Roman Gallic Figural Amuletic Bone Carving
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
5 1/2 in. (19.4 grams, 14 cm).
A carved bone amulet or mount displaying a stylised figural scene: central panel featuring two figures seated back to back at the centre, possibly bound captives, flanked by larger figures seated facing them, holding cups; two orderly rows of centre-facing heads either side; decorative striations to both terminals, pierced twice for attachment.
ProvenancePreviously in the Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
From a Cambridge collection.
Property of a North London gentleman.
Cf. Dalton, O.M., Catalogue of Early Christian Antiquities and Objects from the Christian East in the Department of British and Medieval Antiquities and Ethnography of the British Museum, London, 1901, item 291, for type; for similar carving style see the belt of Saint Caesarius, in D'Amato, R., Post Roman Kingdoms, Dark Ages Gaul and Britain, AD 450-800, Oxford, 2022, p.12.
FootnotesThe piece is curved and slightly twisted in the horizontal plane suggesting that it would be unsuitable for mounting on a piece of furniture or casket unless it formed an inset panel within a larger scene.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Post Roman Gallic Figural Amuletic Bone Carving
5th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
A carved bone panel or amulet, possibly a pectoral fragment, carved with a scene composed of a central mounted horseman advancing left with spear raised and solar symbol behind his head, flanked by his forces depicted on the left as two rows of heads facing right, and on the right as two rows of heads facing left; pierced for attachment or suspension; repaired. 53 grams, 16.5 cm
Fine condition, small losses to lower edge and one finial; repaired.
Previously in the Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. From a Cambridge collection. Property of a North London gentleman.
The scene represents a triumphant military commander or an emperor on horseback surrounded by his troops. It may have formed part of the parade attire of a junior officer. -
Merovingian Silver Ring with Twisted Bezel
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A silver finger ring formed as a single rod tapering at both ends, formed into a flat coil and wound around the shank. 2.50 grams, 24.79 mm overall, 19.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Post Roman Gallic Figural Amuletic Bone Carving
5th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £910
A carved bone amulet or mount displaying a stylised figural scene: central panel featuring two figures seated back to back at the centre, possibly bound captives, flanked by larger figures seated facing them, holding cups; two orderly rows of centre-facing heads either side; decorative striations to both terminals, pierced twice for attachment. 19.4 grams, 14 cm
Fine condition, small loss to the lower edge at one end.
Previously in the Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. From a Cambridge collection. Property of a North London gentleman.
The piece is curved and slightly twisted in the horizontal plane suggesting that it would be unsuitable for mounting on a piece of furniture or casket unless it formed an inset panel within a larger scene.
