The brilliant discovery of 2024 in Germany; A brooch with entwined snakes

This brooch dates back to the 7th century AD and is made of silver with gold plating. Allemandine red garnet gems are carefully embedded on it.

The semi-precious garnets, which were very valuable in the late Roman period, are arranged using the cloisonné technique; A style known as “Garnet Clovisone”.

The design of these gems is very intricate and resembles snakes with an intertwined geometric pattern that surrounds the edges of the oval shape of the pin. The cells are designed as rectangles with curved edges, ending in kite-shaped jewels that form the heads of snakes.

Archaeologist Detlef Jantzen believes that this discovery was one of the most prominent findings of 2024 AD. He says:

This is an extremely valuable work. Allemandine gems are precisely polished and carefully cut. To increase the shine, the goldsmith has grooved the gold base where the gems are. Until now, we have known similar examples mostly in Rhineland and Sweden. These works are usually found in noble tombs with rich decorations.

Similar examples of this brooch have been found in the noble tombs of the Rhineland and Sweden. But the existence of this pin in the small area of ​​Germany, in the period known as the period of migrations (with hardships and unrest), has surprised archaeologists.