Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Rare Celtic Iron Age, silver double spiral fibula, probably for a young child. This spiral fibula is made of a single wire which is expertly shaped in the form of two spiral discs which are connected by a double loop in the shape of a figure eight (Infinity symbol). ± 31,6 x 13,2 mm Condition: Good solid condition, complete with pin and hook to secure the pin. Attractive patina and signs of wear consistent with age and use. See images. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). -> The spiral is one of the oldest symbols of human spirituality. Spiral motifs appear in ancient carvings and painted rock art dating back thousands of years The infinite, twisting spiral was a favourite of the ancient Greeks and Celts and has continued to influence artists, thinkers and designers for millennia. It is thought to represent growth, expansion, cosmic energy and a symbol of the sun, and it has been suggested to be linked to birth or rebirth. Spirals have been found in burial sites, in vases, in jewellery, clothing, weapons and buildings. Throughout history, the spiral has been a highly valued design in Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking art, and continues to be appreciated to this day. -> Ancient Romans appreciated complex jewellery designs and used a wide range of materials. Fibulae were worn by both men and women, often richly decorated. Fibulae are found in a large variety of styles, from strictly functional to very elaborate designs with colourful enamels or incorporating zoomorphic figures. The lower classed Romans used imitations of glass or various metal alloys to reduce the cost of manufacture while displaying their social status. Roman men typically wore one or more finger rings and fibulae. Jewellery was of particular importance to women in Roman society. They had the right to buy, sell or barter their jewellery independently as it was considered their own personal property. Jewellery for children not only showed the wealth and social status of the parents, it often included amulets to protect the children from illness and ward off evil forces. Material: This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics. Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material. Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.