Roman Bronze Dog Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D. The body characterised by a series of horizontal grooves, raised pins to the front and back, the ones on the back probably for the attachment of the hinged pin. Cf. Melchart, W., Antike Kostbarkeiten aus Osterreichischem privatbesitz, Wien, 1997, fig.47, for a similar specimen.2.5 grams, 34 mm (1 3/8 in.). Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection. This unusual fibula was probably a provincial production. The dog was connected to the Celtic divinities and also with Silvanus, who was associated with healing, hunting, and dogs.