1985.149: Fibula
JewelryIdentification and Creation
- Object Number
- 1985.149
- Title
- Fibula
- Classification
- Jewelry
- Work Type
- fibula, pin
- Date
- 2nd-4th century CE
- Places
- Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
- Period
- Roman Imperial period
- Culture
- Roman
- Persistent Link
- https://hvrd.art/o/304394
Physical Descriptions
- Medium
- Copper alloy
- Technique
- Cast and hammered
- Dimensions
- 5.8 x 1 cm (2 5/16 x 3/8 in.)
- Technical Details
-
Technical Observations: The patina is green and black with a few areas of red cuprite. The fibula is intact except for a small loss to the catchplate. The fibula was made by casting a rod and then hammering it to shape the bow, coil, and pin. The one end was hammered flat to form the catchplate. Striations on the wire surface could be the result of the working of the metal or rough finishing or both.
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
- 1985.149
- 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 fibula has a simple wire bow, arching down to become a four-coil spring with a crossbar, which then becomes the pin (1). The catchplate is a flattened sheet with a slight ridge along the bow side and a knob-like projection on the end.
NOTES:
1. Compare A. Böhme, “Die Fibeln der Kastelle Saalburg und Zugmantel,” Saalburg Jahrbuch 29 (1972): 5-112, esp. 13-14, nos. 49-158, pls. 3-4; and D. Mackreth, Brooches in late Iron Age and Roman Britain (Oxford, 2011) 18-19 and 24, nos. 4346, 4447, and 4790, pls. 8, 10, and 12.
Lisa M. Anderson
Subjects and Contexts
- Ancient Bronzes
Related Objects
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