Romano-British Bronze Zoomorphic Plate Brooch

A Romano-Celtic bronze zoomorphic brooch, depicting a frog. The body of the animal is formed from a tapering, rectangular plate, forming the arched bow of the fibula. The plate restricts to form the rounded snout of the frog and a short stub for his tail. Incised, undulating lines decorate the head, representing the dappled skin of the amphibian. Two raised nodules protrude from the surface, acting as the eyes, decorated with blue enamel. There are two rectangular recessed cells situated on the body of the fibula. A row of vertical, round indentations decorate the cells, which are set with coloured inlays of yellow and green enamel. There are two flanking pairs of small triangular limbs projecting from the sides, one set near the pointed head and one set at the rear end. Linear grooves mark the webbed feet of the frog. The reverse of the brooch includes a double-lugged hinge and a catchplate for the pin, which is now missing.