Description

Fibulae, i.e. metal clasps in the style of a safety pin, were usually used to fasten clothes. Large examples probably secured heavy woollen cloaks, while delicate fibulae were used to fasten lighter items of clothing. The specimen discovered in the mouth area of the corpse from grave 3 on the Glauberg appears to be a very miniature piece. It is made of bronze, only 2 centimetres long, but decorated with two coral beads and a disc of gold foil. Based on the consideration that the dimensions provide information about the former purpose of use, it must be assumed that the fibula was once stitched together with a fine mesh. The force exerted on it must also have been rather low. This suggests a fine layer of fabric that closed the brooch in front of the corpse's face. However, we can only speculate as to the reason for this.