Casgliadau Arlein

A fragment from the head of a copper alloy brooch of the Early Medieval period. It was recovered from the grave of SK231, an adult male from Phase C: 430-659 AD, which corresponds to the range of dates these "S" Type brooches are found: 450-600 AD.

This brooch type is very uncommon in South Wales and was probably imported from the continent.

It is probably from an "S" type brooch. It would have had an S shaped body with a moulded animal design, possibly a horse. There appears to be a scar on the back where a putative rear fastening has been detached. Rear fastenings were common and not present on the earlier, but similar, style of "dragonesque" brooches.

The brooch has a circular depression surrounded by circular moulding that may indicate the setting for a precious stone representing the horse's eye. Possibly Salin's style I decoration.