Diadem

07/2007

Reminiscent of a crown, this diadem of thin sheet gold is attributed to Bilge Kagan (d. 734). The centre of the diadem isdecorated with a bird that is very similar to the one on the headdress of Kul tegin. It holds a ruby attached to a piece of gold wire in its beak. Originally the diadem was studded with further precious stones. Forty small holes along the rim suggest that theedge was lined or padded to protect the wearer's head. The diadem would have been held in place by a ribbon threaded through the two larger holes at the ends.

The Mongol Empire - Genghis Khan and his heirs and the Mongol Invasion of Hungary 1241-42. Exhibitions in the Hungarian National Museum.