Antiquities Discussion Forums > Fibulae and Clothing Items

ID for Bird Brooch, please

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Mayadigger:
Ave!

Copper alloy; 27mm/4.2gm

Help!

SC:
This type is often called a Solar Bird Fibula.  Bird because of the four bird heads, but solar because of the round form and fact that overall it, like the similar but earlier swastika, was a solar symbol.

Similar types were used from the 5th-7th c AD and are found from the Caucasus to southern France.  They are generally considered Germanic.

This specific form was used by the Germanic tribes from circa 470/480 into at least the mid-6th century. 

While bird head fibula are too often attributed to the Gepids, it seems that this type, especially if found in the middle Danubian region is quite likely Gepid, or at least was used by the Gepids among others.

SC

Mayadigger:
Perfect!

Thanks Shawn!

 +++ +++ +++

Joe Sermarini:
Please add this to the appropriate Fibula page in NumisWiki.

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