Enamelled bronze brooch

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This enamelled bronze brooch, also known as a fibula, was found at Spynie in Moray. In the Roman Empire such brooches are found only in Britain. They were commonly worn in the second century AD by both Romans and natives.

The brooch is of a special type called a trumpet brooch, due to the shape of the head which protects the spring. It has fine enamel decoration on the body and head. It would have been worn as a pair, linked to its partner by a chain.

Brooches were used to fasten clothing, and are understandably a common find on Roman sites. Trumpet brooches are a fusion of Roman and native influences: they are Roman products, but with native ornamentation or features.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-890-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  Q.L.1920.4
• Date: Between 80 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Bronze; harp-shaped; trumpet head
  Brooch, fibula
  
• Dimensions: 2.19" L
  
• What: Brooch, fibula
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Moray, Spynie, Lochside
  
• Event:
• Description: Trumpet brooch or fibula of bronze, found at Lochside, Spynie, Moray, between 80 and 200 AD
  
• References:
  • Johns, Catherine. The jewellery of Roman Britain. Celtic and Classical traditions. London: UCL Press Ltd., 1996, pp. 160-5. 
• Translations:
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