Greek Metalwork: Bronze Spectacle Fibula

Inv. No.: 84.008
Provenance: Greece
Date: 8th century BC
Height: 40mm
Width: 70mm
 
A spectacle brooch or fibula from the Geometric period, made from a continuous length of wire that has a lozenge-shaped profile. There are two spirals, each with five turns, separated by a figure-of-eight shape formed by two small loops of the wire. The piece is in very good condition, with a fine green patina. The pin and catch are missing. They were originally made from the same length of bronze wire that has been used in forming the spiral shapes.

Function:
An ancient version of the safety pin, fibulae were used to hold garments together.

Manufacture:
This piece was made from a single piece of wire, coiled to form the spiral shapes. The wire was cut from a bronze sheet and shaped by hammering, filing and abrasion.

Bibliography:
Alexander, J., "The Spectacle Fibulae of Southern Europe", American Journal of Archaeology, 69 (1965), 7-23.

Blinkenberg, C., Fibules Grecques et Orientales, Copenhagen, Bianco Lunos Bogtrykkeri, 1926, 253-262.

Hattatt, R., Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, Dorset Publishing Company, 1982, 182-184.

Comparanda:
Alexander, J., "The Spectacle Fibulae of Southern Europe", American Journal of Archaeology, 69 (1965), Ill. 2, Type Ib.

Hattatt, R., Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, Dorset Publishing Company, 1982, Figs. 77, 186 (Type I) and 93, 186.

Merhav, R. et al, A Glimpse into the Past: The Joseph Ternbach Collection, Jerusalem, The Israel Museum, 1981, No. 139 (similar shape [Type 1b] with more spirals).