Decorative hook

Medieval copper alloy hooks found during excavations in Kamień Pomorski. A set of five very similar hooks was made from a strip of copper alloy, a raw material that did not corrode easily and was visually attractive. There are three elements in the construction of the hooks: the eye, the shank and the spearhead. The band in the middle shank of stone hooks is partially twisted around its axis. The treatment was to strengthen the shanks and increase their aesthetic value. The upper parts of the bands are wrapped in ears with tips fancifully turned outwards, while on the opposite side, there are arrowheads without barbs. These hooks were initially identified as fishing tackle. However, a connection to clothing cannot be ruled out, specifically to fasten outer garments made from thick fabrics. Together with a metal or textile eyelet, they could have been used as a kind of practical fastener.

Sławomir Słowiński