Backplate of a Belt Buckle
Unknown Artist
6th–7th century
Medium
Iron, silver inlay, copper alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 2 11/16 x 2 5/16 x 11/16 in. (6.9 x 5.8 x 1.7 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Iron
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.193.144
Art Historical Context
This exquisite backplate from a Frankish belt buckle dating to the 6–7th century, a glimpse into the daily life and craftsmanship of the Merovingian Franks, the Germanic tribe that dominated much of early medieval Europe, including modern-day France and Germany. During this turbulent post-Roman era, personal accessories like belt buckles were not just functional but symbols of status, often adorning warriors, elites, or merchants. Measuring a compact 2 11/16 x 2 5/16 x 11/16 inches, this small iron piece was likely part of a larger ensemble securing belts for clothing or weaponry. Crafted fro...