Dongjum belt buckle

Organic belt buckles are found in abundance in the Frisian terp-area. In the modern province of Fryslân at least ten were found. This is quite a substantial number compared to other areas, with nine known from England, four from Ireland and less in other countries. Some of the Frisian buckles were discarded before they were finished or were found broken. One of the more intact buckles was the one found at the Dongjum terp-mound. The buckle is 52mm long, which makes it quite small and suitable for a thin belt. The buckle plate is decorated with interverse lines and ring-and-dot decorations. The high number of bone belt buckles might suggest they were a common sight to see in day-to-day Frisian life. However this may be, the replica of the Dongjum belt buckle is a welcome addition to our depiction of early medieval Frisia!