Medieval Disc Closure "Uta"

Tassel disc from the High Middle Ages.

This so-called tassel disc is modelled on the medieval statue of Uta, one of the donor figures of Naumburg Cathedral.

In the High Middle Ages, tassel discs were generally worn as a pair to close the round coat and were often connected with a tassel band or a chain. The tassel disc had a bar on the back to which the tassel ribbon was attached.

Illustrations of tasselled coats clearly show how the tassel disc must have been passed through a slit in the coat and fastened like a large button.

The tasselled coat was worn by both men and women and was a representative garment of the upper classes and not actually practical.

Due to its cut (and weight), the tasselled coat had a habit of slipping a little over the shoulders. And so it was customary among the high nobility and a sign of their status to simply tuck one hand gallantly behind the tasselled band, as can be seen on the statue of Uta zu Naumburg.

The tassel disc of Uta zu Naumburg is available in brass or silver colour and made of cast zamak.
This large tassel disc is a wonderful accessory that perfectly complements courtly garb in medieval re-enactment.

The price is for one tassel disc. Two discs should therefore be ordered for the medieval cloak.
A chain or tassel band is not included.

Diameter of the tassel disc: 4.5 cm.

More information about the Uta from Naumburg...

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The rectangular cloak, which originated from the sagum, the Germanic cloak, was in common use until the 11th century. But then the use of circular cloaks, so-called corded cloaks, became increasingly popular among the higher classes.

While the rectangular cloak was held on the shoulder with a brooch, the corded cloak mainly used ribbons, braids or chains, the so-called tassels, which in the 13th and 14th centuries were often fastened between two splendidly decorated tassel discs, as in the case of Uta from Naumbug Cathedral. They gave the tasselled mantle its name.

The tasselled cloak was a prestigious item of clothing, not least because of the magnificent tasselled discs. However, when wearing the tasselled coat, you always had to bear in mind that it tended to slip backwards - due to its weight alone - so it had to be held in place. As a result, it became an almost courtly gesture to place one's hand in the tasselled bands or on the tasselled disc. This can be clearly seen in many contemporary illustrations.