One of a kind Byzatine Tiara

This is our Byzatine Tiara, wrought in yellow brass and faux enamel. This full color inlay tiara is meant to mimic the gold and glass enamel works of the byzantine empire from the 10^th to the 11^th century. The max height of the tiara is 2.75 inches with an open back to hit most head sizes.

Based on the Monomachus Crown, a Hungarian crown commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Monomachus and completed in 1042; This Brass tiara is a study in recreating byzantine enamel work using modern methods. 

In the original, Monomachus stands in between his wife and sister in law, attended by two dancers.  The icon of humility sits and the ends, marking a striking theory about the message Monomachus wanted to send to his fellow Hungarian ruler. 

 This recreation instead takes an icon of the Virgin Mary from the Pala de Oro, (added circa 1100) as its front piece.  The Pala de Oro was begun the 10 century, and was added to over the centuries, with this piece being added in the 1100s during the reign of the Ordelafo Faliero de Doni.

  The accompanying side pieces hold the dancers from the original Monomachus crown which have been sized to fit its reduced height.  Each of the pieces needed to be reduced in height, because the original reach well over 11 cm (4.5 inches).  For most reenactment groups, this height seemed extreme, so we wanted something smaller and easier to wear.

The third set pf pieces are Cherubim from the Limburg Stuaroteke, created in the 10^th century.  This was purported to be a reliquary containing pieces of the true cross and we chose these because of the divine theme established with the Virgin Mary from the front piece.

The last set of pieces are decorative inlay from a halo fragment of an icon cover from the met museum (10-11 century).

We wanted to remove the context of the piece, as its depictions and the reason for which is was constructed told a story of humiliation, and we wanted to instead show this style of tiara with a context of empowerment and women’s divinity. 

*historical reference photos available anytime, we are happy to geek out about this piece!