Design/style: Urnes design
Cultural era: Viking Age
Date of creation: 11th century
Origin/Procurement: Northern Europe, specifically Scandinavia, Gotland, Sweden
This is a multifaceted, rectangular brooch adorned with architectural guide markings. It features a raised central boss and four quadrupeds on the top, as well as four human-like columns on the sides. The brooch is adorned with appliqués and gilded details in blackened silver. The base is made of riveted copper alloy and showcases intricate Urnes-style animal patterns created through casting and mortising techniques. Additionally, it boasts a cast bearded pin head and a cast latch. Unfortunately, some of the original gold-embellished leaf appliqués and twisted silver wire are no longer present.