Ostrogothic silver eagle-headed buckle

First half of VII century

Each end of oval-shaped loop terminating with collar-set cabochon garnets, row of scrolling along the length; massive stylized animal head tongue, terminated by staying animal. Rectangular plate with projecting eagle head with collar-set garnet eye; central oval glass medallion, four garnet cabochons and a row with scrolling on the perimeter. Front plate done in Kerbschnitt (or Keil) technique, where patterns of scrolling were deeply cast and worked over with a chisel. Back silver plate with remaining original fabric reinforced with flat bars. Leather belt still preserved between front and back plates. Length 15.8 cm.
See: “Materials in Archaeology of Tauria”, Vol I, p. 211 #2.