Fibula (Pin)

Intact; dark patina. Small fibula with bow thickened toward center, loop to form spring, and triangular catch. Fine incised lines on front of bow. Four rings, three large and one smaller.

Bronze fibula with rings attached. This early fibula, with four bronze rings strung on its pin, would have been used to fasten woolen garments. Fibulae were common in the grave goods of both men and women in the Early Villanova period. This one has a slightly swollen bow and a relatively small catchplate (the folded end used to secure the pin). In time, bows and catchplates would become more pronounced.