Eine Adlerkopfnadel mit Runeninschrift(en) aus Elgg (Kt. Zürich / CH)

Abstract

The runic inscription on a pin from Elgg provides the second archaeological runic testimony in contemporary Switzerland. It was discovered in 2013 in the early medieval settlement which was probably associated with the known cemetery Ettenbühl 500m further to the North-East. On the side of the eagle-headed pin orientated to the left, there is a sequence of runes domo which was already included in the production process of casting and is interpreted as an anthroponomy. On the opposite side there is another sequence of signs which only imitate runes and were engraved afterwards. The pin is dated to the first half of the 7^th century and seems to be produced in the region of Elgg itself, in northern Switzerland or in the region west of Lake Constance. This is also true for the runic inscription particularly since it is a primary design element of the pin. The presentation of this inscription therefore differs starkly from most of the hitherto known engraved runic inscriptions of the continent.