Not just a belt: Astragal belts as part of late iron age female costume in the south-eastern Carpathian basin

Abstract

The focus of the paper is on bronze astragal belts in the south-eastern part of the Carpathian Basin, interpreted as part of the female costume. In particular, their production seems to have two peaks, one at the end of the Early Iron Age (6th-4th cent. BC) and another during the Late La Tène period. However, there is a continuity of the form throughout the Late Iron Age. Requiring a significant amount of material and craftsmanship, these belts imply the presence of skilled artisans, as well as a supply network that enabled the production. A new typological and chronological assessment of the known examples allows not only a better understanding of the possible production areas of astragal belts, but also the social implications behind the organisation of production, offering also the possibility to better evaluate the role of this particular item as a part of the autochthonous female costume and identity.

Keywords

• Astragal belts
• female costume
• Late Iron Age
• Carpathian Basin
• identity