Finds from a recent Archaeological Excavation in Suffolk

6th October 2020

Our recent excavations in a Suffolk village have revealed evidence of personal items from the Romano-British inhabitants. This simple brooch and useful pair of tweezers suggest a level of pride in someone’s personal appearance.

Copper alloy “Drahtfibel derivative” Brooch. Late Iron Age-Early 1st Century AD.  L: 55mm W: 18mm. Circular cross section with right-angled bow and solid catch plate. Four coil spring and chord.  Mackreth (2011) N. 4482. A sub-form of the “Drahtfibel” (“wire fibula”), type, these date from the Late Iron Age to just after the Roman conquest. Despite their ease of manufacture, they are found less often in Britain than other Continental inspired types. 

Copper alloy “Drahtfibel derivative” Brooch

Copper alloy tweezers. Roman.  L: 55mm W: 18mm. Flat in cross section with suspension loop. Decorated with incised marginal grooves which continue over the loop.  Crummy (1983) N.1883. Roman tweezers were largely beaten out of sheet metal and varied in size and shape, with longer examples often including rings to keep them closed. However, different forms occurred throughout the period meaning closer dating can be difficult. 

Copper alloy tweezers.