Description

Viking era bronze omega fibula with shell pendants, dating C. 9th-11th century AD. The “Omega “brooch (so called because it resembled the Greek letter), is embellished by triangle pattern granules and shell pendants, attached to loops.A penannular brooch featuring two trapezoidal plate finials, each with a granulated geometric design. The brooch features a free-moving pin, which sits vertically across the length of the brooch. The pin is attached via a loop to the penannular hoop. The brooch features flat, unworked reverses.

Size: 93 x 42 mm

Weight: 17 g

A similar brooch found in Norfolk, Great Britain is illustrated in Hattatt’s “Ancient Brooches,” figure 1688.

The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world. Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. In the severe climate of northern Europe, it routinely functioned as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The safety-pin type of fibula continued to be used up into the Middle Ages, serving both as decorative and functional elements.

Provenance: Till the 1980s in the private Belgian collection of B.S. Since the 1980s in the private British collection of D.A. Was bought by the current owner in 2016 from A.A. in London, UK, who had owned the item since 2011.