Jewellery & Goldsmiths' Work
Crossbow Fibula
Permanent ExhibitionMetalworkJewellery
Details
- Author / creator
- Gallo-Roman or Romano-British, Migration period, 4th century
- Object type
- Jewellery
- Date or period
- c. 350–400
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 10.2 × 7.1 × 3.8 cm
- Maker or workshop
- Gallo-Roman or Romano-British, Migration period, 4th century
- Period / style
- Gothic
- Place of origin
- Gallo-Roman or Romano-British
- Acquisition method
- Purchase
- Credit line
- Purchased with the Public appeal (1998), 1930
- Image rights
- Public domain (CC0)
About this object
A fibula was a garment clasp that functioned somewhat like a modern safety pin. Since buttons were not used in antiquity, fibulae were used to keep a cloak closed. They were worn by both men and women, commonly on the right shoulder, and produced in various sizes and shapes. Because they were highly visible accessories, they often received decorative gilding, inlay decoration, or onion-shaped domes. Crossbow fibulae were introduced by the Romans and are named for their resemblance to the weapon. Decorative and technical features suggest this may have been made in Roman-occupied Britain.
Materials and technique
Bronze, gilt-bronze, silver, and niello
