The Princess of Zweeloo

It has been buzzing in the village for days: the news that she is coming. You cannot really be bothered and just go to work that day. But as the parade approaches, you take a break to watch after all. 

You can see it right away: this is an important woman. Those jewels! Shiny bronze bracelets and necklaces with beads. So beautiful, and look at the size of them!    
 
And then there’s that dress: it may look simple, but professionals must have been working on it for months. Delicate linen woven into a diamond pattern. The pins that hold the dress together at the shoulders are gold-plated, as is the bronze butterfly ‘fibula’. This very richly decorated cloak pin comes from northern Germany. Note the edges, where dogs seem to be chasing each other … Fascinated as you are by the well-to-do lady, the procession has already passed before you know it. 'How did she acquire all those beautiful things?', you wonder. 
 
A lot of the items were probably given to her. Powerful people in the early Middle Ages maintained their relationships by exchanging gifts. Showing their wealth commanded respect and admiration among their equals as well as the public, which helped to secure their power and social standing.