Summary

Brooch, also known as a fibula, of silver, it is of a special type called a trumpet brooch, this is due to the shape of the head which protects the spring, it could have been worn as a pair, linked to its partner by a chain, from Ayrshire, Roman, 80 - 180 AD

Accession Number

X.FG 9

Other references

Original description

MISCELLANEOUS ORNAMENTS, CHIEFLY BRONZE. Harp-shaped fibula of silver, from Ayrshire. SD note, July 1999: Edited from SCRAN full data set. SCRAN Caption record: BROOCH FROM AYRSHIRE Ref: X.FG 9 INTRODUCTION - This Roman silver brooch was found in Ayrshire. They were made in Roman Britain in the later first and second century AD, and were worn by both Romans and locals. DESCRIPTION - The brooch, also known as a fibula, is of a special type called a trumpet brooch, due to the shape of the head which protects the spring. It could have been worn as a pair, linked to its partner by a chain. BACKGROUND - Brooches were used to fasten clothing. Trumpet brooches are a fusion of Roman and native influences: they are Roman products, but with native stylistic features. Most are of bronze. This silver example would have been particularly valuable. DETAILS - Date: Between 80 and 180 AD Material: Silver REFERENCES - Johns, Catherine. The jewellery of Roman Britain. Celtic and Classical traditions. London: UCL Press Ltd., 1996, pp. 160-5.

Associated person/people (e.g. excavator/former collection)

None

Discovery / field collection

Date of discovery

Not recorded

Method (e.g. excavation)

Not recorded

Place (i.e. location of discovery)

Ayrshire, Scotland, Northern Europe

Grid reference

Not recorded

Acquisition

Acquisition date

1885

Acquisition source (i.e. name of donor)

Unknown

Acquisition source role (e.g. donor)

Not recorded

Image