Early Medieval bronze Frankish Bird brooch of a Eagle

A unique variant of a bronze bird-shaped brooch depicting a standing eagle with its head turned back, decorated with moulded grooves; pin and catch plate to the back.

The significance of the bird motif likely lies in the aristocratic cult of the god Wodan who, like his Scandinavian counterpart Odinn, was believed to be capable of transforming himself into a bird. The raven was also known as a “beast of battle.” Eagles, ravens, and wolves were regarded as scavengers of fallen warriors, and it was believed that these animals carried the spirits of the dead to the otherworld.

Material: Bronze
Date: Migration period, Merovingian – Carolingian, 8th – 9th century
Measurement: overall: 27 x 25 mm
Condition: Fine condition, the pin is no longer present as is often the case.
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