Belt Plate Fragment
Unknown Artist
4th–7th century
Medium
Iron, silver inlay
Dimensions
Overall: 1 15/16 x 1 3/4 x 1/4 in. (4.9 x 4.5 x 0.6 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Iron
Culture
Frankish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Museum Accession
Accession Number
X.209.11
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Belt Plate Fragment from the Frankish culture, dating to the 4th–7th century, offers a glimpse into the early Medieval world of the Merovingian Franks, who rose to prominence in what is now and Germany during the turbulent Migration Period. Measuring just under 2 inches across, this small iron piece—likely part of a warrior's or elite's belt buckle or fitting—survives as a testament to everyday luxury amid a time of tribal migrations, conquests, and the dawn of feudal society. Belts like this held swords, pouches, or cloaks, symbolizing status and readiness for battle. Crafted ...