<P> Aside from the practical use found in Roman buckles, Scythian and Sarmatian buckles incorporated animal motifs that were characteristic to their respective decorative arts . These motifs often represented animals engaged in mortal combat . These motifs were imported by many Germanic peoples and the belt buckles were evident in the graves of the Franks and Burgundies . And throughout the Middle Ages, the buckle was used mostly for ornamentation until the second half of the 14th century where the knightly belt and buckle took on its most splendid form . </P> <P> Buckles remained exclusively for the wealthy until the 15th century where improved manufacturing techniques made it possible to easily produce a cheaper molded item available to the general population . </P> <P> The buckle essentially consists of four main components: the frame, chape, bar, and prong . The oldest Roman buckles are of a simple "D" - shaped frame, in which the prong or tongue extends from one side to the other . In the 14th century, buckles with a double - loop or "8" - shaped frame emerged . The prongs of these buckles attach to the center post . The appearance of multi-part buckles with chapes and removable pins, which were commonly found on shoes, occurred in the 17th century . </P> <P> The frame is the most visible part of the buckle and holds the other parts of the buckle together . Buckle frames come in various shapes, sizes, and decorations . The shape of the frame could be a plain square or rectangle, but may be oval or made into a circular shape . A reverse curve of the frame indicated that the whole buckle was intended to be used for securing a thick material, such as leather . This reverse curve shape made it easier to thread the intended thick material end over the bar . But the shape of the frame is not limited to simply squares and ovals, the decoration of the frame itself defines the shape it will turn out to be . Since the frame is the largest part of the buckle, any and all decorations are placed on it . Decorations range from wedged shapes, picture references to people and animals, and insignia of a desired organization . </P>

What are the parts of a buckle called