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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1985.149
Title
Fibula
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
pin, fibula
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 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