The condition of the fibula is remarkable: the gilding is nearly complete, and even the iron pin is preserved.
This fibula, which displays the classic design for these objects, was provided with a base ornamented with points in relief, a precisely contoured arc and a crosspiece, giving it the aspect of a cross. The crosspiece is ornamented by three slightly flattened bulbs. The entire fibula in front of the arc and the base is decorated with the motif of fish bones executed in niello. Cruciform fibulae - which are found in many European countries - were used particularly from the end of the 3rd century A.D.; their higher than average quality suggests that they were most often worn by the high ranking dignitaries of the Imperial administration or by the superior officers of the army. The crosspiece oriented towards the ground, they were used to clasp the cloak (pallium) at the shoulder (cf. for example the mosaics of Saint Vitale in Ravenna, where the companions of Theodora and Justinian wear the same fibulae.

This piece is published in Phoenix Ancient Art 2006, n. 1 (n. 43) Click here to purchase catalog

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