Votive Crown found in Guarrazar

Votive Crown
Spain, 7th century
Gold, precious stones, pearls, 
crystal
and beads
Total h. 0.673 m; diam. 0.168 m
Acq. 1859 ; Cl. 2879

This crown was discovered in 1859 in Guarrazar, near Toledo. Twenty-six crowns and other pieces were discovered at that time, many of which have since disappeared. One of the two crowns in this museum has a trellis pattern and the other has open arcades as a design. The latter is made up of a solid gold band, to which large precious stones or glass beads are attached. A cross bearing a dedicatory inscription is attached. These crowns were not worn. They were offerings given to churches in Toledo that were suspended over the altar. The gift of these precious objects signified submission to the Spiritual King of the Church. Other crowns may be seen at the Museo Arqueologico Nacional in Madrid.