Anglo-Saxon fibula Oxford, bronze

Product description

The oval-shaped snake brooch features two intertwined snakes biting each other's bodies, a motif common in Vendel period jewelry. The design is based on a historical piece housed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, UK. While the original brooch measures about 4.5 x 2 cm, this reproduction measures 3.8 x 2.8 cm and comes fitted with a sturdy pin suitable for thicker fabrics. Available in high-quality bronze.

Between 540 and 800 AD, snake-shaped brooches were popular across Scandinavia, with designs evolving over time. Early examples were S-shaped, inspired by Alemannic brooches from the continent. By the early 7th century, oval designs depicting two snakes biting each other took over. This brooch type remained in use until around 700 AD, with a few made into the early 8th century.

Women wore snake brooches exclusively, typically as part of a set. Two matching brooches sat on either side of the chest, pins pointing upward. A third, slightly larger brooch below the chin fastened a cloak, completing the ensemble.