In early summer 2015 I received a particularly unusual order from the LVR LandesMuseum Bonn.
Based on scientific investigations of an original find from a grave of a Franconian woman from the 7th century, I was supposed to reconstruct a pendant in order to be able to show visitors to the permanent exhibition of the LVR LandesMuseum the original condition of this unusual piece of jewellery.
The “hanging” was worn by the Franconian lady starting from the neck via a robe clasp to the belt and from there reaching just above the floor. According to the museum's calculations, the total length of the original was about 140 cm.
Unfortunately, due to the advanced level of corrosion, the original find was so badly baked together that it was no longer possible to uncover and present the original pendant.
Hence the desire of the museum to show visitors at least one reconstruction of the hanger.
In several conversations with the responsible museum archaeologist, it was discussed what materials the hangings should be made of and what properties this reconstruction should have in detail.
Like the original find, the new hanger was made of iron wire and bronze. The LVR LandesMuseum Bonn was able to determine the exact position and dimensions of the individual components of the hanger on the basis of X-ray examinations.
After the assembly of all components, the hanger was given to the LVR Museum for an initial assessment. Now detailed requests regarding the final patination of the reconstruction could be coordinated with the museum and then implemented directly.
In the end, the permanent exhibition of the Bonn museum was enriched by an exhibit that was able to integrate an original find from the 7th century into a comprehensible reconstruction of the living environment of a woman from this time in a very lively way. Both exhibits - the original find and my reconstruction - have since been presented together in a showcase of the permanent collection of the LVR Museum in Bonn:
