The Tuscany Brooch, Lombardic Italy, around 600 CE, The British Museum, London
This gilded silver brooch is one of the largest Lombardic examples of its kind. The Lombards were a Germanic people who migrated from western Hungary and conquered much of Italy. Their influence helped create the characteristic art style decorating this brooch. Interlaced snake- like creatures cover its surfaces, while the foot terminates in a fierce animal head, probably a wild boar, with a double- headed serpent below its snout. The brooch was probably worn by a woman to emphasise her status, fastening her clothing around her waist.
















