Viking horseshoe fibula bronze – Birka

This small brooch is produced after an archaeological find from the Birka graves in Sweden, best suitable for the Viking age.

These penannular brooches, also called horseshoe, omega brooches or fibulas, were used to close garments or fasten all sorts of material, but mostly fabric. The smaller brooches, like this one, were mostly used to close the neckline of tunics and dresses or to fasten leg wraps. The elegantly curled ends prevent the needle from coming loose.

The horseshoe fibula – Birka measures 3.3 x 2.8 cm and has a needle of 4.5 cm. It is available in bronze as well as in a silver-plated version.