Object Description
An ancient Roman, bronze fibula in the form of a peacock. Shown in profile, the bird features a rounded body, which tapers into an elegantly curved and elongated neck. The head of the bird is surmounted by a crest of feathers and displays stylistically rendered facial features, including a small pointed beak and a large eye, represented by a series of concentric circles. The flight feathers and saddle of the peacock rise from its curving chest into a point behind. They have been enriched with two rows of penannular motifs, and separated from its tail feathers by a row of ovoid indentations. Its tail feathers extend outwards from its body and would have been inlaid with further decorations, likely of enamel, in the recessed panel. The bird’s feet curve downwards, as if grasping a perch. The reverse of the brooch is plain and unworked, apart from the original catch plate and hinged pin holder, though the pin itself is now missing.
Date: Circa 2nd – 3rd Century AD