Medieval 'AVE MARIA' fibula

ITEM: 'AVE MARIA' fibula
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Medieval
PERIOD: 12th - 13th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 26 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, P.F., Augsburg

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The medieval Ave Maria fibula is a decorative and functional brooch, often inscribed with the words “Ave Maria,” reflecting deep religious devotion. Fibulae were widely used during the medieval period as clothing fasteners, particularly for cloaks and tunics, but they also held symbolic and protective significance. The inclusion of the Ave Maria inscription, a reference to the Angelic Salutation from the Gospel of Luke, suggests that these brooches served as personal amulets invoking the Virgin Mary’s protection. Made from materials such as bronze, silver, or even gold, these fibulae were sometimes further adorned with enamel, niello, or intricate engravings to enhance their devotional appeal.

These fibulae were particularly popular during the high and late medieval periods, a time when Marian devotion was widespread across Europe. Pilgrims and knights, in particular, might have worn such brooches as tangible expressions of faith, perhaps acquired during religious journeys or crusades. The Ave Maria inscription could also indicate an association with chivalric or monastic orders, where Marian veneration played a significant role. Some examples feature additional decorative elements such as crosses, floral patterns, or images of the Virgin Mary, reinforcing their religious symbolism. These brooches were not only personal items but also part of the broader material culture of medieval Christianity, reflecting the fusion of faith and daily life.