Fibula with Animal Foreparts | Harvard Art Museums

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1980.15
Title: Fibula with Animal Foreparts
Classification: Jewelry
Work Type: fibula, pin
Date: 1st-2nd century CE
Places: Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period: Roman Imperial period
Culture: Celtic
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/304083

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Brass

Technique

Cast, lost-wax process

Dimensions

h. 3.1 x w. 1.9 x d. 0.6 cm (1 1/4 x 3/4 x 1/4 in.)

Technical Details

Chemical Composition: XRF data from Artax 1 and Tracer
Alloy: Brass
Alloying Elements: copper, zinc
Other Elements: lead, iron

K. Eremin, January 2014

Technical Observations: There is a dark brown patina overall with localized areas of cupritic red, some patches of green, light gray (which is perhaps wax), and some friable dark brown material (perhaps burial accretions) in the recesses. The body of the fibula is in good condition, although the pin is missing, leaving traces of rust in the hinge area. The surface is worn down to the shiny golden metal on some of the high points.

Judging by the complexity of the model and the numerous undercuts, the body of the fibula was made by the lost-wax process and cast in one piece. The surface is somewhat concealed by the surface accretions. Texturing was probably already created in the wax stage as well and possibly reinforced in the metal.

Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2012)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line: Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. Leo Mildenberg
Accession Year: 1980
Object Number: 1980.15
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
The protomes of two stylized lions join at the waist on this fibula, forming the bow (1). The lions are similar; the faces are broad and flat, with circular eyes, triangular ears, and prominent snouts. Fur is represented by incised wavy lines around the heads and chests. The backs of the animals are joined at a notched circular ring. The undecorated forelegs of both animals are extended; the paws of one are above the cross bar, which has a cylindrical covered spring. The paws of the other rest on a transverse bar, mimicking the shape of the cross bar, which then narrows into the catchplate. The top of the piriform catchplate (widest at the foot) is decorated with a faint human face, rendered in a globular style; the general shapes of the head, eyes, nose, and mouth are visible, as is perhaps a beard. The pin of the fibula is missing.

Examples of this type of fibula have been found particularly in south-central France; it is possible that they were made by a workshop in southern Gaul (2). The stylized head on the catchplate may also be related to the so-called Celtic “Cult of the Head” (3).

NOTES:

1. Compare M. Feugère, Les fibules en Gaule méridionale de la conquête à la fin du Ve s. ap. J.-C., Revue archéologique de Narbonnaise, Suppl. 12 (Paris, 1985) 278-79, type 18b4.

2. Ibid., 278-79, 285, and 287.

3. Ibid., 285. For the cultic interest in heads, see M. Green, Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art (London, 1989) 211-14; and M. B. Löffler and J. T. Koch, “Head Cult” in Celtic Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia, 3, ed. J. T. Koch (Santa Barbara, 2006) 895-98.

Lisa M. Anderson

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

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