Pelta Shaped Brooch, Bronze

Pelta Shaped Brooch, Bronze

Pelta-shaped decorations were popular, numerous finds were made in the Limes forts and settlements, dating from the 1st to the 3rd century. Mainly in military context they were used as belt decorations, brooches or pendants.
The pelta ornament is named after a light, crescent shaped shield, which was in use by the light ancient greek infantry (pic 2). In ancient art, the female warriors of the Amazons were often depicted with this shields, that´s why the pelta shields are also called "Amazon´s shields" (pic. 3).

Our reproduction is a reconstructed copy of an original fibula (brooch) with 4 small pelta-decorations in the corners probably dating to the 2nd or early 3rd century. Handcrafted from real bronze with operative iron pin, delivery with certificate. Size ca. 20 x 20 mm.