From surviving depictions, we know that these "fibulae" or brooches were worn by men on their shoulders with the square part facing upwards. Depending on the style of the garment or mantle, one or two of these brooches were used to hold it in place. The size and intricacy of this example makes it likely that it belonged to a high-ranking state or church official.
<div class="fn value">
Anglo-Saxon</div>
late 6<sup>th</sup> century <div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+550-00-00T00:00:00Z/7</div> (Early Medieval)
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