Buckle Tongue
Unknown Artist
3rd–5th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 1 9/16 x 15/16 x 7/16 in. (3.9 x 2.4 x 1.1 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper alloy
Culture
Late Roman
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.193
Art Historical Context
This delicate "Buckle Tongue," crafted from copper alloy during the Late Roman period (3rd–5th century), offers a glimpse into the everyday ingenuity of the waning Roman Empire. Measuring just 1 9/16 x 15/16 x 7/16 inches, this small component—likely the pivoting pin of a belt buckle—was essential for securing clothing, military gear, or horse harnesses. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval collection (gift of J. Pierpont, 1917), it bridges the classical world and early medieval Europe, highlighting the continuity of Roman metalworking traditions. Copper alloy, a durable and c...