Almgren 88 type fastener from Lobez

The decorated fibula belongs to Type 88 in Series III, Group IV of the fibula typology established in 1897 by Swedish archaeologist Oscar Almgren (1869–1945). This fibula is richly ornamented, featuring elaborate decoration on the spring cover, known as the kapturek, as well as on the bow, which is adorned with profiled knobs that originally had silver wire inlays. The stylistic features and level of embellishment are characteristic of the Wielbark Baroque, a period of exceptional goldsmithing development within the Wielbark culture, dating to the late 2nd century. During this time, gold and silver objects were used not only as elements of clothing but also as personal adornments or horse harness decorations. After the owner's death, such items often became part of their grave goods. Burial practices among the Wielbark culture were biritual, meaning both cremation and inhumation were practiced. The fibula on display was part of a cremation burial, which was discovered by chance in 1971 near the railway station in Łobez. The find was reported to the National Museum in Szczecin, leading to a rescue excavation at the site. The burial followed the cremation rite, where the deceased’s remains were placed in a sealed urn. Alongside the urn, the grave contained a relatively rich assemblage of grave goods for its time. In addition to the exhibited fibula, four other bronze fibulae were found, as well as belt fittings in the form of a buckle and strap-end mountings, a bronze key, and fittings from a wooden casket. The collection also includes a bone comb and elements of a necklace, glass beads with a silver clasp. The overall composition of grave goods indicates that the burial belonged to a woman of the tribal elite. Bartłomiej Rogalski