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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1985.147
Title
P-Shaped Fibula with Returned Foot
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
pin, fibula
Date
2nd-3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304327

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bronze
Technique
Cast and hammered
Dimensions
6.8 x 4.2 cm (2 11/16 x 1 5/8 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Bronze:
Cu, 96.6; Sn, 2.59; Pb, 0.38; Zn, 0.012; Fe, 0.23; Ni, 0.03; Ag, 0.05; Sb, 0.11; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.01; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is predominantly black and green with some spots of red cuprite. The fibula is intact and was made in three sections. All three sections probably began as cast rods that were hammered to shape. The first section is a crossbar with hammered ends. The second is a wire coil that begins in the middle of the crossbar, wraps around one side of the crossbar then extends below the bow and wraps around the other side of the crossbar before extending down to form the pin. The third second is the bow, which begins at the crossbar and arches down to the catchplate, where the rod is folded to form the catch. A rounded wire coil wraps around the bow near the catch.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Nagler
Accession Year
1985
Object Number
1985.147
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 large p-shaped fibula is complete. The bow is a rectangular-sectioned bar, folded in half to make a catchplate (1). Wire is wrapped around the bow just above the catch, and there are three to four horizontal decorative marks on top of the catchplate. The spring portion is quite long, with wire wrapping around a rod (six to seven coils on either side of the bow). The crossbar extends from either side of the spring and loops under the bow. The spring becomes the pin, which tapers to a point.

NOTES:

1. Compare R. Hattatt, Brooches of Antiquity: A Third Selection of Brooches from the Author’s Collection (Oxford, 1987) 272-75, no. 1247, fig. 85; and D. Mackreth, Brooches in late Iron Age and Roman Britain (Oxford, 2011) 193-94, no. 10232, pl. 134.

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