Great Square - Headed Gilt Brooch

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Date:1922 - 1923 (c.)

Description:A fine, gilded bronze brooch, elaborately decorated with interlaced patterns and stylised faces. The rounded terminal at the base of the brooch bears the eyes and forehead of a human face. Such impressive brooches were worn by women. This brooch, like several other examples from other sites throughout the England, was found under the woman’s chin, and it seems likely that it was used as a cloak fastener. Two saucer brooches were also found in the grave to fasten her dress or peplos.

6th Century A.D.
140mm long x 66mm wide
1922/23 excavations (Grave 88)

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Donor ref:SBT 1923-8 (52/11701)

Source: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Museums Department

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