Miniature Golden “Badge” from the Catacomb Burial 1577 of the Palasa-Syrt Barrow Field of the IV–V Centuries: functional features and peculiarities of decor

Abstract

This paper deals with a unique piece of jewelry, conventionally designated as a “badge”, found in the catacomb burial 1577 of the Palasa-Syrt burial ground of the IV–V centuries. This piece is of particular interest both from the point of view of its functional purpose in the complex of preserved burial equipment (the burial was plundered) and as an example of a high degree of jewelry art, reflected in its decor. The available indicators of the manufacturing technology, the circumstances of use and the traces of repair are also unique. The piece is made of gold. On the front side of a round plate with a diameter of 1.3 cm and a thickness of less than 1 mm, there is a pearl insert with a diameter of 0.8 cm. The edge of the base-plate is decorated with granulation (151 granules). On the back side of the “badge” two tape-shaped loops are soldered. In terms of style (roundness of shape, the presence of an insert in the central part made of semi-precious material and granulation decor), this artifact is almost identical to the badges, that were widely used in the jewelry art in the beginning (IV–V centuries) of the Great Migration period. However, a detailed analysis of the manufacturing technology, the state of deterioration and a slipshod repair work of the Palasa-Syrt sample indicate its other functional purpose, possibly related to weapons.

Keywords

• archaeology
• east fore-caucasus
• palasa-syrt barrow field
• iv–v centuries
• miniature golden badge
• decor style
• functional purpose