This is a gold Fibula Braganza brooch. The detail in this 14cm work is astounding to see. There is a naked figure wearing a Celtic helmet and a shield protecting himself against a dog. The line work is used to show immense texture and detail. Different types of lines make up the work in the waves behind the figure as well as the rope like texture. The shape of the piece is functional as well as harmonious to look at. However the hinge or spring and pin are now lost. It’s a gold brooch but was decorated with glazed glass (enamel). It was supposed to be shown with white in the eyes and blue in the waves which are gone. There are 4 Depictions of dogs so the artist must be highlighting the fierceness or importance of them. It was made by a Greek craftsman for a Celtic person who was from an area in Spain, so it is important to notice the cross cultural elements like the waves and helmet. It is describes as from the Hellenistic Greek period of art in 3rd century BCE. The brooch is now in the British museum but not on display. The brooch was made and found in Spain.
