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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1932.56.35
Title
Bracelet or Anklet Fragment
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
bracelet
Date
4th-3rd century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period
Iron Age
Culture
Celtic
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/303795

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
9 cm (3 9/16 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina consists of various greens and browns on an uneven surface. The bracelet is missing approximately half of its original hoop, and the ends are damaged and deformed. Cracks are present and are indicative of the brittle nature of the metal.

The bracelet was probably made by lost-wax casting. A black clay-like core material remains in the interior. Longitudinal cracks on the interior surface may indicate seams in the metal or even in the wax model before casting, but it is difficult to be sure of this due to the condition of the bracelet.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Dr. Harris Kennedy, Milton, MA (by 1932), gift; to the William Hayes Fogg Art Museum, 1932.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. Harris Kennedy, Class of 1894
Accession Year
1932
Object Number
1932.56.35
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This curved bracelet or anklet fragment is broken on each end (1). The fragment, which preserves approximately half the original circumference, consists of four intact beads and one partial bead. The beads are hollow, hemispherical domes, flat on the underside. Black material is preserved in the interior of the partial bead.

Intact examples of bracelets are made of two segments hinged together, and they are often found in pairs in graves (2).

NOTES:

1. Compare J. Bouzek, “The Celtic Mercenary Reconsidered,” in Celtic Art in Europe: Making Connections, eds. C. Gosden, S. Crawford, and K. Ulmschneider (Oxford, 2014) 223-33, esp. 225-27, fig. 26.6 (from Isthmia and Prague Bubenec); and D. Vitali, “The Celts in Italy,” in The Celts, eds. S. Moscati, et al., exh. cat., Palazzo Grassi, Venice (London, 1991) 220-35, esp. 223 and 233 (from Saliceta San Giuliano, Modena).

2. Vitali 1991 (supra 1) 223-24.


Lisa M. Anderson

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 3620 University Study Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 08/17/2017 - 01/07/2018

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu