Replica of 7th Century Merovingian Bird Fibula 1931

Editor: This is a replica of a 7th Century Merovingian Bird Fibula. It's quite small and looks to be made of metal. What strikes me is how the craftsmanship seems both intricate and a bit rough. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Considering its function as a fibula, a clasp, the material and labor are key. Metalworking in this period involved specialized knowledge and resources, indicating the wearer's social standing. The design, mass produced, reflects both artistry and consumption in Merovingian society. Editor: So, it's about the social context of wearing it, not just aesthetics? Curator: Exactly. The value lies in understanding the means of production and how it circulated within their social structure. Editor: I see. It’s interesting how an object can reveal so much about the past just by looking at the materials and the labor involved. Curator: Precisely. It challenges the modern idea of 'art' by highlighting its inherent connection to material culture.