A bronze radiate-headed bow fibula brooch comprising a head plate with radiating stylised birds' heads and a central knob. The head is decorated with an internal perimeter of raised dots and two S-shaped motifs (snakes?). The bow is grooved and further bird-head projections. Iron pin missing, as usually is the case.
 
Ostrogothic / Visigothic Europe: Circa 6th Century AD.
 
Condition: Very Fine: complete and intact; with attractive pale green patina.
Length 5.6 cms (2.2 ins).
 
Provenance: Ex German private collection 1980's-1990's.
 
The fibula was an ancient brooch. Their function was not only decorative, but they also originally served a practical function, to fasten clothing such as cloaks.