A unique gilded bronze brooch from the late Migration Period (475-550 A.D.) was discovered in Kemi, Lapland, Finland. The brooch features engravings of stylized zoomorphic figures, measuring 2.6 inches long. It displays extensive gilding on the front and potentially had a silvered back. Identified animals in the designs include four bird heads and a cervid. Historically, the brooch was part of a garment fastener pair worn by elite women, symbolizing status. Similar artifacts have been located in Norway and Sweden, though not in northern Sweden, emphasizing its significance for understanding Iron Age trade and cultural interactions.
The gilded bronze fibula is engraved with stylized zoomorphic figures and is a unique find for Finland, measuring 2.6 inches in length with extensive surviving gilding.
Researchers identified five animals in the complex designs: four bird heads and a cervid, highlighting the intricate artistry of the brooch from the Migration Period.
Brooches like these were worn by elite women to fasten garments and served as status symbols, often buried with their owners.
The discovery sheds light on trade connections and cultural interactions during the Migration Period, indicating movement of peoples and craftsmanship across regions.
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