GENDERED GARNETS A comparative study of garnet adorned objects in the Rhine and North Sea area during the Early Middle Ages

Early medieval garnet inlaid objects are subject to a lot of studies, predominantly those of economies and exchange. The topic of social significance, especially in relation to gender, is however barely touched upon. This research studies the gender representation of garnet inlaid objects in Frankish-Merovingian Europe during the fifth and sixth centuries. In total 549 garnet inlaid objects were assembled from over 105 sites within the research area consisting of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the German Provinces Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rhineland-Pfalz. The types of objects found within the research area mainly consist of embellishments, such as brooches, jewellery and belt fittings. This study also comprised of rarer objects such as weapons or saddle mounts. The results of the dataset are critically assessed , looking mostly at the gender theories established during the last 30 years. Also, the dataset is incorporated within a larger research frame by including the...Show moreEarly medieval garnet inlaid objects are subject to a lot of studies, predominantly those of economies and exchange. The topic of social significance, especially in relation to gender, is however barely touched upon. This research studies the gender representation of garnet inlaid objects in Frankish-Merovingian Europe during the fifth and sixth centuries. In total 549 garnet inlaid objects were assembled from over 105 sites within the research area consisting of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the German Provinces Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rhineland-Pfalz. The types of objects found within the research area mainly consist of embellishments, such as brooches, jewellery and belt fittings. This study also comprised of rarer objects such as weapons or saddle mounts. The results of the dataset are critically assessed , looking mostly at the gender theories established during the last 30 years. Also, the dataset is incorporated within a larger research frame by including the examples of Childeric and Sutton Hoo. As a result it could be established that garnet inlaid objects are predominantly found within female graves. The amount of garnet used upon an object and the types of objects found change over time, but they remain present in female contexts throughout the period. The objects adorned with garnets that are incorporated within the male grave are usually only present within sixth century contexts. However at the end of the fifth century they are first found related to a very rich male context (e.g. Childeric). An area where garnets are predominantly present in the research area could not be discovered but some regional differences were observed. The rapid decline within garnet adorned objects found within the research area, combined with the Anglo Saxon Sotton Hoo burial is suggesting a geographical shift in the use of garnet inlaid objects. A lot remains to be researched in new studies. The sexing of graves where the objects are found is, for instance, a worthwhile research focus. Also a thorough examination of the total grave assemblages could reveal new and exciting data.Show less

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GENDERED GARNETS A comparative study of garnet adorned objects in the Rhine and North Sea area during the Early Middle Ages