Roman Metalwork: Bronze fish hook

Inv. No.: 85.032
Provenance: Roman
Date: c. 1st century BC-1st century AD
Height: 28mm
Width: 15mm
 
Both fish hooks (85.032 and 85.033) are similar in size and shape. They are made from bronze wire with a round cross section that has been bent into a hook shape without being twisted to one side. The straight end is flattened, forming an attachment point for a line. The other end is shaped into a fine barbed point in one example (85.032), but this is broken off in the other (85.033). Both hooks are in good condition otherwise and have a rusty patina.

Function:
For catching fish using a line.

Manufacture:
Forged by hand.

Bibliography:
Galliazzo, V., Bronzi Romani del Museo Civico di Treviso, Roma, Giorgio Bretschneider, 1979, 207.

Radcliffe, W., Fishing from the Earliest Times, London, John Murray, 1921, especially 236-238.

Comparanda:
Comstock, M. and C. Vermeule, Greek, Etruscan & Roman Bronzes in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Greenwich, Connecticut, New York Graphic Society, 1971, No. 603 (Greek fish hook).

Galliazzo, V., Bronzi Romani del Museo Civico di Treviso, Roma, Giorgio Bretschneider, 1979, No. 90, 1 (Tipo A).

Ucelli, G., Le Navi di Nemi, Roma, La Libreria dello Stato, 1950, Fig. 143 (similar hooks from ship 1, wreck found in Lake Nemi; 1st century AD).