Merowingische Zierscheiben mit einem gekreuzten Menschenpaar

Abstract

In the late 6^th and 7^th century women wore decorative discs of open-work bronze at the end of their chatelaines often displaying Christian symbols. 26 discs which originate from workshops of the northern Upper Rhine and were partly cast there, present individuals in the pose of worshippers with folded arms and crossed legs. The individuals of group I who approach each other and whose heads are presented in profile, and those of group II with heads in front view, are men without emphasised genitals. Other individuals feature both biological sexes and are shown in a crouched position with spread legs. On the stylistically oldest depiction they are combined with birds of prey. This associates them with decorative discs presenting a crouched figure – possibly a woman in birthing position – and four birds of prey.