A new sub-group: thoughts on the Phrygian type XII-9/variant A IV fibula from Seyitömer Höyük salvage excavations

Abstract

Twenty fibulae have been found so far during the Seyitömer Höyük salvage excavations. The majority of the samples are of the type defined as the Anatolian‑Phrygian fibulae. There is a total of 18 fibulae in this type. One of the 18 Anatolian‑Phrygian type fibulae is the subject of this study. The fibula is included in the group defined as Type XII‑9 by Blinkenberg and later by Muscarella, and appears as Variant A IV in Caner’s study, where a more comprehensive typological evaluation was made. The artefact presents a new image that differs from all fibulae found so far. In our example, the three metal bars that make up the main body are separated from each other by two channels. The fibula, which differs from the only similar example in many aspects, is different from all Anatolian‑Phrygian type fibulae found in Anatolia, Western Anatolia, the Aegean Islands, Greece, and Italy, where Anatolian‑Phrygian type fibulae were found and produced. Our study suggests that the Seyitömer Höyük fibula should be defined as a new sub‑group under the term Variant A IV‑3b, according to Caner’s typology. In addition, the thought that the fibula in question pioneered some belt buckles that were created by emulating the Anatolian‑Phrygian fibulae is also emphasized.

Keywords

• iron age
• anatolian‑phrygian type fibulae
• variant
• belt buckle
• seyitömer höyük