Genesis of Ryazan-Oka crossbow fibulae. Typological and technological aspects

The paper reviews origin of Ryazan crossbow fibulae dating to the second half of the 4th-7th centuries. These fibulae were made based on the design of imported brooches and T-shaped fibulae. Five early series of crossbow fibulae were singled out. Series 0 is represented by fibulae which, in terms of their proportions, are very similar to brooches. Series 0 was used as a basis for series 1-3 that show some differences in their components. Development within the series is characterized by common trends that helped work out a standard represented by the fibulae from series 4. The analysis of the technology demonstrates that all fibulae were made by a lost wax casting method. The analysis also found several similar elements in one fibula from series 0 and the radiate-headed brooches from the 1st subgroup. A specific local distinctive feature, which is a technological roller that helped an artisan to place the parts on the wax model correctly and also served as an additional reinforcing rib, was singled out. Hammering marks were identified on catch plates and feet of the fibulae.