Ring-shaped fibulae in the context of costume and the system of world outlook and beliefs of the high and late middle ages

Ring-shaped fibulae are common finds related to the European Middle Ages.The fibula consists of a loop that has a variety of shapes and a pin that turns around itsaxis but cannot slide freely across the fibula body. There are ring-shaped fibulae of variousforms and sizes made from precious and non-precious metals; quality of metalwork artalso varies. Fibulae were especially popular in the 13th and 14th centuries. Fibulae alsooriginate from treasure hoards, settlements, fortresses and graves; they were often depictedon the statues of the said period representing people who wore outer clothes. In gravesfibulae could be placed near the pelvis or stomach. Typological and comparative analysishas been carried out taking into account the material fibulae are made of, and distinctivefeatures of their shape. Various functions of ring-shaped fibulae as dress accessories arereviewed. Archaeological finds demonstrate a larger variety of functions associated withring-shaped fibulae than the functions identified based on depictions on medieval statues. A stress is made on apotropaic meaning of ring-shaped fibulae; the author notes a multilayered nature of their symbolism based on inscriptions on some fibulae. It is emphasizedthat the discussed fibulae reflect developed character of medieval people’s world outlookand beliefs.