Pliezhausen brooch

In the charming town of Pliezhausen, nestled in the district of Reutlingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, lies a remarkable artifact that offers a glimpse into the past—the Pliezhausen brooch, or as it is known locally, the Reiterscheibe von Pliezhausen. This exquisite piece of early medieval craftsmanship is not only a testament to the artistic skills of the Alemannic people but also a window into their cultural and mythological world.

The Discovery of the Pliezhausen Brooch

The story of the Pliezhausen brooch begins in 1928, during excavation work in the area of Alemannenstraße in Pliezhausen. It was here that an Alemannic cemetery was uncovered, revealing several graves. Among these was Grave 1, a richly adorned burial site of a noblewoman, where the brooch was found as a grave good. This thin gold disc, adorned with intricate designs, was originally part of a disc fibula, a decorative brooch used to fasten garments. Along with the brooch, other items such as a bronze ring, bronze wire fragments, and 13 beads were also discovered, highlighting the wealth and status of the buried individual.

A Closer Look at the Brooch

The Pliezhausen brooch, with a diameter of approximately 69 mm, is crafted from thin gold sheet. The design was impressed onto the gold using a model, and the outer edge of the disc features a beaded border. The upper section of the brooch depicts two stylized four-legged animals with open mouths, which are interpreted as lions based on their distinctive manes. Beneath these fierce creatures is the central scene: a warrior on horseback, riding to the right, holding a lance in his left hand. This long-haired rider, dressed in a caftan, wields a small round shield in his right hand. Behind him, also on the horse's back, is a smaller human figure, grasping the rider's spear with their left hand and holding a small round shield in their right. This figure is often interpreted as a sieghelfer or victory helper.

The horse, depicted with bridle and harness, is trampling over a fallen warrior. This unfortunate figure, entangled with the horse's front limbs, is attempting to stab the horse in the chest with a spatha (a type of sword) while clutching the reins with his other hand. The dynamic and intricate scene depicted on the brooch is a rare example of figurative representation from the early Middle Ages, providing valuable insights into the mythological and religious beliefs of the Alemannic people during the transition from paganism to Christianity.

The Journey of the Brooch

Further examination of the Pliezhausen brooch at the Roman-Germanic Central Museum in Mainz revealed that the disc originally had a larger diameter. It was trimmed to fit the mounting plate of the disc fibula, suggesting that the brooch had a previous life before being repurposed. Comparative finds indicate that the brooch was initially part of a phalera, an ornamental harness decoration for a horse, used in a ceremonial context. This transformation from a horse ornament to a piece of personal jewelry underscores the adaptability and resourcefulness of the early medieval artisans.

Comparable Artifacts

The Pliezhausen brooch is not an isolated example of its kind. Similar motifs have been found in other early medieval contexts, such as the richly furnished ship burials of Sutton Hoo in England and the graves of Vendel and Valsgärde in Sweden. The disc from Sutton Hoo, in particular, bears a striking resemblance to the Pliezhausen brooch, albeit with a mirrored arrangement. These comparative finds highlight the widespread cultural connections and shared artistic traditions across early medieval Europe, offering a broader understanding of the symbolic and decorative practices of the time.

Visiting the Pliezhausen Brooch

Today, the Pliezhausen brooch is proudly displayed at the Württemberg State Museum in the Old Castle in Stuttgart. Visitors to the museum can marvel at this exquisite piece of early medieval art and delve into the rich history it represents. The brooch, with its intricate design and captivating imagery, serves as a tangible link to the past, inviting us to explore the world of the Alemannic people and their enduring legacy.

In conclusion, the Pliezhausen brooch is more than just an artifact; it is a storyteller, a piece of history that speaks of the artistry, beliefs, and cultural connections of a bygone era. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, the Pliezhausen brooch offers a fascinating glimpse into the early medieval world, making it a must-see treasure in the heart of Baden-Württemberg.