Replica of 7th Century Merovingian Bird Fibula 1931

Curator: It’s remarkable to consider the socio-political context surrounding such an object. This is a replica of a 7th-century Merovingian bird fibula, a type of brooch, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its small scale strikes me, only about an inch across! The bird-like form, though stylized, is immediately recognizable, and the single red gem adds a focal point. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the Merovingian dynasty’s influence – how did their power and trade networks facilitate the creation and distribution of such adornments, reflecting status and identity within their society? Editor: And the symbolism of the bird itself! Was it a signifier of freedom, a connection to the divine, or a marker of tribal identity? The fact that it’s a replica also invites questions about authenticity and cultural appropriation. Curator: Precisely! The replica itself performs a role, prompting reflection on our relationship with the past and the power dynamics inherent in museum display. Editor: It’s fascinating how such a small artifact can open up such broad avenues of inquiry. Curator: Indeed, it speaks to the potency of art to act as both a reflection of and a catalyst for cultural narratives.