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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): £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. -
Migration Period Gold Teardrop Jewel with Garnets
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £507
A gold trilobate jewel or mount formed from one piriform and two conjoined circular cells, each set with polished garnet; three suspension loops to reverse. 0.69 grams, 14 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Eastern Germanic Silver Bow Brooch
Early 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A silver bow brooch with semi-circular headplate, decorative knop to apex, slender arched bow, sub-rectangular footplate with knop finial and punched annulets; spring, pin and catchplate to reverse. 8.58 grams, 51 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The triple-bossed fibula developed from the fibulae of the southern east-European Germanic tribes, during the migration in the 5th century. This type can be found in modern territories from Hungary to France and occasionally even in England, but in general it remains rare. The type usually carries button-shaped decorations at the end of the semi-circular bow plate.
