Fibulae or brooches were originally used in Ancient Greece and in the Roman Empire for fastening garments, such as cloaks or togae. The fibula designs developed into a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle. Most pins were produced from bronze or iron however, precious metals such as gold have been used, owned by those of a higher status to demonstrate their wealth and power.
Brooches as this fine example fall within the ‘Headstud’ type, a broad category attesting the many and imaginative forms of Romano-British brooches. The stud that names this group is placed on top of the bow and can assume different forms: from a simple moulded decoration, as seen on this fine piece, to crests and enamelled cells.
