buckle/clasp

C/2000/2187 Silver-plated copper buckle/clasp, composed of two almond-shaped pieces with identical relief and engraved decoration. A double-headed eagle with a stylised crown between its heads is depicted at the centre of each piece, while at the pointed edge there is a diagonally positioned flower with a stem and two pairs of leaves. A winding branch with smaller flowers extends along the border. The fastening elements of the clasp (hook and corresponding loop) extend into stylised anthemia, made of the same piece of metal and soldered to the clasp pieces. A red stone is set over the fastening loop.   The flowers consist of small discs in relief, while the eagle’s plumage is rendered with a scale pattern and delicate engravings. Along the border, there are six pairs of small holes for attachment to a belt. The double-headed eagle is often depicted on clasps, especially those used in an ecclesiastical context. This clasp appears to be of Cypriot origin (similar examples can be found in Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou 1996, 224, fig. 230).   Total length: 19.2 cm. Height: 7.5 cm. Former Collection of Pavlos Neophytou.