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Fibula

fib·​u·​la | ˈfi-byə-lə

noun

An archaeological term for brooch

Fibula is often used to describe ancient examples of brooches from across western culture including those used in Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome. it is not commonly used in English to describe jewelry, but instead as a broad term for archaeological finds that include brooches or pins that are used for fastening garments. These types of pins and brooches were commonly used on the right shoulder to hold clothing in place, so they were both functional and decorative during their time, and many finds are quite elaborate. There are several types of fibulae, divided by the time in which they were found, the materials from which they were made, and the function for which they were designed. Early examples date as far back as the neolithic period and bronze age.

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