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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1984.702.A
Title
Navicella Fibula
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
fibula, pin
Date
7th-6th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, North Italy
Period
Iron Age
Culture
Italic
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304209

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina of the bow and catchplate (1984.702.A) is crusty, pitted, and characterized by various greens. The patina of the pin and spring section (1984.702.B) is dark greenish brown with large pits of green and red. Both sections of the fibula have losses and do not join. The bow and catchplate section was cast by the lost-wax process. The pin and spring were made from hammered wire.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mrs. Beatrice Kelekian in memory of her husband, Charles Dikran Kelekian
Accession Year
1984
Object Number
1984.702.A
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This navicella fibula fragment consists of a bow and catchplate, missing only the spring and pin. The bow is similar to the navicella types in shape, although much flatter and shallower on the underside. A spherical knob and thin raised disc project from either side of the bow. A similar knob and raised disc are present at the end of the catchplate (1). It is not clear that the bow and associated spring and pin were part of the same original object.

NOTES:

1. Compare A. Naso, I bronzi etruschi e italici del Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Kataloge vor- und frühgeschichtlicher Altertümer 33 (Mainz, 2003) 259-60 and 263-65, nos. 472, 474, 483, 486, and 489, pls. 103-104.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Related Works

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