Merovingian tin plated bronze bird (Raven) brooch with circle-dot decoration Bird fibulae became popular at the end of the 5th century and remain so throughout the 6th century. They were usually worn as a pair, often in combination with a “Radiate-head” brooch. These fibulae belonged to upper class individuals. The significance of the bird-motif probably lies in the aristocratic cult of the god wodan, who, lik his Scandinavian counterpart Odinn, was able to transform himself into a bird. Also the raven was know as “a beast of battle”. Eagles, ravens, wolfs where know as scavengers of dead warriors. They believed that the animals brought the spirits to the otherworld. Source: Cf. Menghin: The Merovingian Period: Europe Without Borders & Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde Bd. 8, Berlin 1994, S. 541-582m (Fibel und Fibeltracht). Material: Bronze with remains of plated tin Date: Migration period, Merovingian, 6th century AD Measurement: overall: 36 x 22 mm Condition: Fine condition, slightly curved, the pin is no longer present as is often the case. International registered Delivery. Provenance: The Supplier warrants that it has obtained this lot in a legal manner. Previously the property from a French art dealer; acquired on the European art market in the 1990s Important information: The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.