Alemannian crossbow fibula Norendorf, bronze

Product description

Two silver bow brooches were discovered in the Bavarian cemetery of Nordendorf, renowned as significant runic artefacts from the Middle Germanic runic series. These brooches, known as the Nordendorf I and II bow brooches, hold historical importance. The original Nordendorf I brooch, found in an Alemannic or Frankish woman's grave, is now housed in the Roman Museum in Augsburg. Dating to the mid or late 6th century, it was crafted from fire-gilt silver, measuring 12.85 cm in length, and features a rectangular head plate, a bow, and a semi-circular foot with a human mask motif. Distinctive animal heads adorn both sides of the fibula, reflecting the style of 6th-century broad-headed brooches. Our replica closely mirrors the original at 13 x 7 x 5 cm and is available in high-quality bronze. Due to its size, the brooch is ideal for fastening heavy woollen coats, worn historically with the pin pointing upwards.

A runic inscription on the back of the head plate of Nordendorf I offers insight into Germanic paganism. It names three gods: "logaþore woðan wigiþonar" (Loðurr or Loki, Wodan, and Donar), marking one of the earliest mentions of these deities. The triad reflects the common practice in Germanic and other pagan traditions of invoking three divine figures. However, some interpretations propose a Christian influence, suggesting that logaþore means "cunning" or "sorcerer." The second inscription line contains the names Awa and Leubwini, potentially representing the brooch's owner and its runic inscriber, or it may have been a gift from Leubwini to his wife, Awa.

Discovered in 1843 during railway construction near Augsburg, the brooch originated from a largely undisturbed cemetery near the Via Claudia, a critical Roman road linking Italy and Bavaria. The high material value of the brooch suggests it was owned by a wealthy individual of high social standing. The cemetery's location along this significant route underscores the area's historical importance in trade and military strategy during the Merovingian period. The Nordendorf I brooch, influenced by Nordic design, belongs to the Chividale fibula type, which was common in Scandinavia during the mid-6th century. It likely originated in Pannonia and traveled to Bavaria with migrating Lombards.

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