File:Roman zoomorphic brooch (incomplete) (FindID 451715).jpg

English: A copper-alloy zoomorphic brooch of Roman (2nd century) date (cf. Hattatt 2000: figs. 219-220).

The damaged brooch takes the form of a sitting bird. The body is oval in plan, domed, with a hollow underside. The upper surface bears three longitudinal bands of cells. The central band consists of a series of blue-enamel-filled lozenges flanked by two rows of inward-pointing triangles, the latter possibly containing traces of red enamel. The two outer bands each consist of a series of triangular cells, again filled with dark blue enamel, each cell set at 180 degrees to the next. A damaged chain loop projects from the tail end of the bird. At the other end, the height of the body increases into the neck, at the top of which is a shallow groove, which separates it from the head. The head is stylised, comprising a downward curve which tapers to a pointed beak. The eyes, set one on either side of the head, consist of a central pupil, filled with blue enamel and surrounded by a deep (and now empty) ring-shaped setting. Two perforated, right-angled lobes, located beneath the tail, represent the hinge mechanism. Remnants of the iron axis bar survive within this hinge but the pin is missing. The catchplate extends downwards from the underside of the head end. It appears to be intact. The brooch measures 43.5mm long, 17.7mm wide, 21.1mm high and weighs 11.4g.