gems, garnet, almandine, garnet analyses

Almandine plaques. In the National Museum (Musée Alaoui) in Tunis–Le Bardo, two assemblages are displayed, framed by bordering strips (Pls. 47; 48.1), which are evidently regarded as grave finds and, based on their composition, may possibly be considered Vandalic. Yet one reads with astonishment that the objects do not belong together at all, and in fact originate from different findspots. Some are from Thuburbo Maius, such as the two small gold buckles with domed almandines and the gold ring with a stone inlay (Pl. 47, top), which were found in the grave of Arifridos. This is said to be the only burial known to date with grave goods that can be attributed to a Vandal on the basis of an inscription. Other finds also come from the same site. However, the large gold ring with a stone setting, described as a “crown,” originates from Bordj Djedid (Carthage), while the earring with a pendant chain to its left comes from Maktar.