Belt Mount
Unknown Artist
8th century
Medium
Copper alloy, gilt
Dimensions
Overall: 1 7/8 x 1 9/16 x 1/4 in. (4.7 x 3.9 x 0.6 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper
Culture
Avar
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1952
Accession Number
52.51.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite belt mount from the 8th century showcases the masterful metalwork of the Avar, a nomadic people who dominated the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe during the early Middle Ages. Crafted from copper alloy and adorned with gilding—a technique that applies a thin of gold to enhance shine and prestige—the small piece (just under 2 inches wide) likely fastened a warrior's belt, symbolizing status and protection. Its intricate design features griffins, mythical creatures with the body of a lion and head of an eagle, a motif blending Eurasian steppe traditions with influences from Byz...