Small fibulae, such as this piece, were worn by both Roman soldiers and subjects across the empire. They served both a decorative and practical function, being used to fasten articles of clothing, such as cloaks or togae. They often took on the form of stylised animals, with zoomorphic brooches being one of the most popular designs of plate brooches. Animals were a favoured decorative motif across Roman art, either in association with specific deities or myths, or as popular domestic animals. The motif of a dog chasing a rabbit was a common depiction, appearing on decorative art, such as reliefs, frescos, mosaics, and sculpture, as well as everyday items, such as jewellery, folding knives, cups, and fibula. Hunting was a popular pastime in Ancient Rome, with hares being a popular prey. The bones of hares are often found in the domestic waste of the Romans, suggesting that they were consumed.
To discover more on Roman and Celtic brooches, please see our relevant blog post: Roman and Celtic Fibulae