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The winged insect was a popular motif in both Germanic and nomadic metalwork during the late fourth and fifth centuries. Gold bees appeared in the grave of the Frankish king Childeric (d. 482), while other richly appointed graves, such as that at Domagnano (17.190.698), included cicada brooches.
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Title: Brooch in the Form of a Cicada
Date: 350–450
Culture: East Germanic
Medium: Copper alloy, cast; copper alloy pin/spring
Dimensions: Overall: 1/8 x 1 3/16 x 11/16 x 5/8 in. (0.3 x 3 x 1.8 x 1.6 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper
Credit Line: Purchase, William Kelly Simpson Gift, 1993
Accession Number: 1993.263
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