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- Anglo-Saxon Jewellery
- Anglo-Saxon Finger Rings
- Anglo-Saxon Cruciform Brooches
- Anglo-Saxon Disc Brooches
- Anglo-Saxon Square-Headed Brooches
- Other Anglo-Saxon Brooches
- Anglo-Saxon Decorative Mounts
- Anglo-Saxon Weapons
- Late Saxon Stirrup Mounts
- Saxon Pins & Fasteners
- Saxon Period Buckles
- Anglo-Saxon Strap Ends
Bow brooches are the main alternative form to the discoid types. Derived from Roman fibulæ, bow brooches are characterized by the arched central section which accommodates the folds of the garment to be pinned, be it shift, kirtle, scarf, cowl, mantle, cape or cloak. From relatively humble beginnings the series of brooches quickly develops into a myriad of forms – some small and modest, others large and impressive. The largest type – the Great Square-Headed Brooch – is among the most sought after items from the Anglo-Saxon period, alongside the keystone garnet disc brooch. The Great Square-Headed Brooch is always long (many are up to 17cm overall) and decorated with many zones of cast decoration, chip-carved and often gilded. The Anglo-Saxons took every opportunity for displaying social information (such as rank, wealth and ethnicity) on the surface of these items.
