Frankish - Disk Fibula - Walters 571884

While most disk fibulae are decorated with filigree, this one was made by the technique of repoussé, in which metal foil is impressed from the rear to form a raised design. The gilt silver foil, decorated with C-shaped scrolls and raised beaded outlines, is attached by four rivets onto a circular bronze base and set with four triangular-cut garnets arrayed around a green glass bead. The corroded remains of an iron clasp on the reverse once fasten the fibula to clothing and still hold imbedded wool cloth fibers. A Frankish man would have used a fibula like this one to pin his cloak at the right shoulder.