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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.2202.13
Title
Pin with Pierced Head
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Work Type
pin
Date
1st-5th century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Rome (Latium)
Period
Roman period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/98009

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast
Dimensions
17.7 x 1.3 x 1 cm (6 15/16 x 1/2 x 3/8 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina consists of various green, red, and black corrosion products. A crack at the join of the head to the shaft is present.

The pin was probably made by casting to form the hollow head. The shaft was hammered into shape; a longitudinal seam from folding the metal over onto itself is evident and may have have originally been an extension of the hollow head. The crack at the join of the head to the shaft could be a stress crack. It is possible that the head and shaft were fabricated separately, although there is no evidence of a solder for joining the two parts.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Harold Wilmerding Bell, Cambridge, MA (by 1911), gift; to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University (1911-1977), transfer; to the Fogg Museum.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Gift of H. W. Bell
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.2202.13
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
The smooth finial on one end of this pin is perhaps meant to resemble a pomegranate seed; a hole runs through its center. The undecorated, circular-sectioned shaft tapers to a sharp point.

David Smart

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes
  • Roman Domestic Art

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