BROOCH 866604

Description: An incomplete cast early medieval gilt copper-alloy button brooch, dating to the period AD 450-550. It is probably of Suzuki's class B. The pin is missing and there is some surface damage. The upper surface of the brooch is decorated in relief with what is probably a stylised human head facing, lying within two clearly defined concentric raised ribs, with a roughly cast or damaged outer ring. The face has been damaged in the soil but appears to consist of an arched feature for hair or helmet, two dots for eyes, semi circular features for ears and roughly parallel raised ridges for mouth. The reverse is undecorated and un gilded (this includes the outside edges of the rim) but has a standard pin lug and catchplate, both of which remain . It is 15.74mm in diameter, 2.68mm thck and weighs 2.57g. See KENT-AC16E8 for a similar brooch and where it says "Button brooches are distinguished by their small size and by the anthropomorphic face-masks which they feature. They may have been utilised in a number of ways including dress fasteners and as decorative brooches. From graves it appears that they were used singly rather than in pairs like the related but larger saucer brooches. Button brooches are found throughout much of southern England and the Thames Valley with a date range of the later fifth century and the sixth century."

Date: 450 - 550

Object type: BROOCH

Last import: September 22, 2022