Well I think it's cool anyway. I've been looking for an oval design and this one really does it for me. The good people at the Rennaissance store emailed me back promply answering my questions about the buckle and as to what mythic creature is illustrated on it's face. They said it's a Gryphon but I'm not so sure. To me it looks more like a dragon which would account for the teeth, jaggy things on it's head and the 4 positions (earth air fire and water). I don't really mind either way. Both creatures have excellent mythologies but what you guys think - gryphon, dragon or other?