Bronze
Ø 1,4 in.
Intact
Inv. n. 237150
Open loop fibula, of the omega type. Flattened section and extremities in the form of stylized and confronted zoomorphic protoms. Free spur with circular section, pointed, secured to the arch by means of a looped knot. On the surface of the arch there is an alphabetical inscription, interspersed with graphic signs and an accessory decoration obtained through irregularly distributed punching.
This artefact with a dating between the sixth and seventh centuries can be considered as pertinent to a non-serial production. For some time now, the diffusion of these productions has been reported for a rather wide range that includes Calabria, Basilicata, Campania and Puglia, which is presumed to be the production area of these fibulas. In addition to the peculiar morphology, which is rather standardized, the latter are almost always characterized by an inscription engraved along the flat surface of the arch where the inscription Lupu Biba (Viva Lupo) often appears, probably the owner's name, although it should not be excluded the possibility that it may instead be an auspicious invocation (Long live wolf). In our case recurs another, less common formula.
Our specimen would therefore fall into a group of fibulas that present an anthroponym or an acclamatory formula. In a very preliminary way, it could be the name of a female character who underlines the fact of being "born and died in Christ". It is not accidental the presence of this artifact in a kit qualified for the abundance of ornaments, sign of a particular status of the deceased.