Final answer:
The Eagle-Shaped Visigoth Fibula is a notable 6th-century artifact that exemplifies the high level of craftsmanship in gold over bronze cloisonné work, featuring garnets and an eagle motif, symbolizing status and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Eagle-Shaped Visigoth Fibula found at a Visigothic gravesite in Guadalajara, Spain, is an impressive example of barbarian metalwork and cloisonné craftsmanship from the 6th century. These fibulae, which served a functional role in fastening cloaks at the shoulders, are adorned with garnets, amethyst, and colored glass and feature a prestigious eagle motif that carried connotations of status and power, reflective of the Roman empire's influence.
These fibulae, formed with sheet gold over bronze and embellished with a range of precious and semi-precious stones, exhibit the sophisticated artistic skills of early medieval barbarian cultures. The use of ornamentation such as stylized eagle heads and a small fish decoration highlight the aesthetic preferences and artistic complexity of the time.