Roman Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D. A bronze swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre. Cf. Petcu, R., ‘Swastika-shaped fibulae with horse-head decorations (Almgren 232) from the Roman period in Dobrudja (Moesia Inferior)’ in Studia Antiqua et Archaeologica, 25(1); pp.113–122, fig.4. 16.7 grams, 45 mm (1 3/4 in.). Acquired before 2000.From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. In the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia. [No Reserve]