Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A beautifully displayed bronze belt, composed of dozens of identical cast bronze pieces, each with a symmetrical cross surrounded by moons and crescents form. A wide buckle is at the center with a figure-of-eight clasp. Each piece has three loops on its back for suspension and they were likely once sewn onto leather or cloth. For the Byzantines, as with many other cultures, belts had the practical purpose of holding up clothing - but they also signified the status of their wearer. A fine, richly made bronze belt like this one would have been worn by an elite member of society. Size of largest piece (buckle): 1.45" W x 1.5" H (3.7 cm x 3.8 cm); size of belt on display: 15.8" W x 4.25" H (40.1 cm x 10.8 cm)

Fascinatingly, multi-part belts like this one allowed their owners to change out different components as fashion changed. The owner may have had several belt buckles that they could easily attach to this belt, for example, based on popular style or occasion. Byzantine belts were also considered stylish by groups outside of the Byzantine Empire, and many have been found with the Lombards, Avars, Bulgarians, and Moravians.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2017; ex-Sands of Time Ancient Art, Washington, D.C., USA

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#149635

Bronze pieces are assembled on a modern frame to form the belt shape. The full belt may be missing a few pieces but it is difficult to tell as we do not know its original diameter.