Circa 568–800 AD. Caucasus. A set of Avar silver belt fittings in different shapes and forms, such as buckles and belt plates. Good condition. Most Avar-related items surviving today are from belt sets, which were an important component of Avar identity and archaeological excavations have shown that they were probably restricted to a warrior/elite class. For more information on Avar culture, see Daim, F. (2003). Avars and Avar Archaeology: An Introduction, in Goetz, H.-W., Jarnut, J. & Pohl, W., (2003). Regna and gentes: the relationship between late antique and early medieval peoples and kingdoms in the transformation of the Roman world. Leiden: Brill, 463–570.Size: L: Set of 9: 22 - 32mm / W:16 - 22mm; 31gProvenance: Property of a European gentleman, formerly acquired on the UK Art Market in the 1990s.