The zoomorphic brooch from Freidorf was discovered during the 2017 rescue excavations undertaken by the National Museum of Banat. It was found on the bottom of a dwelling with a bronze chain attached to it.
The zoomorphic ring fibula at the moment of its discovery ©Andrei Georgescu
This type of fibulae are found throughout the entire Carpathian Basin in the late 4th century BC. The end of the fibula resembles a fantastic beast, perhaps a dragon. Usually worn in pairs and placed on the shoulders of the cladded person, they seem to be associated with a specific iconography that is strictly respected throughout the spread area. This iconography can be associated with the so-called Mistress of animals or Pothnia Theron which is more frequently found in the oriental part of Europe. However, the technique and style of the fibula is more commonly found in Central European Celtic environment. Therefore, we can assume that these objects are evidence for the cultural hybridity that occurred in the Carpathian Basin during 4th 3rd centuries BC
Distribution map of zoomorphic ring fibulae of the 4th century BC (after Georgescu 2020)
Such objects were prestige goods, worn by females of certain status within the community. We can assume that our lady from Freidorf didn’t go unnoticed as she walked the dusty paths of her village.
©Bogdan Calotă
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