An interesting item previously on display in room 41 at the British Museum, though currently visible in room 2 until refurbishment of its previous home is completed in late 2013, the Fuller Brooch dates from the late 9th century, and is said to be the earliest recorded personification of the five senses, showing sight in the middle, surrounded by taste, smell, touch and hearing.
The piece is relatively intact and as such is celebrated as a fine example of Anglo-Saxon art. In fact, it is so complete it was previously thought to be a fake by Museum staff, leading to it being sold to a Captain Fuller, who subsequently donated it back to the Museum in 1952.
For more, see
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_mla/t/the_fuller_brooch.aspx
^Picture © Johnbod used under a Creative Commons license^
Great piece. How big was the brooch?
ReplyDeleteWhy would it have been worn on the outside of the clothing - to hold the clothing together? For decoration? To display membership of an important group?