Italic Metalwork: Fragmentary bronze bracelet
Inv. No.: 86.109
Provenance: Italy (Italic)
Date: 8-7th century BC
Height: 30mm
Diameter: c. 93 mm (if complete)
Gift of an anonymous donor.
A fragmentary bracelet made from a band of thin sheet bronze with geometric relief decoration consisting of a frieze of repeating circular and linear patterns. Nine of the circular motifs remain, but the bracelet is badly corroded with large cracks and many pieces missing. The metal is dark in colour, but the surface is largely covered with green patina. However, it has been stabilised and the bracelet is mounted on a perspex ring.
Function:
Personal adornment.
Manufacture:
Made by hammering a strip of bronze sheet, probably from behind using a die to produce the geometric patterns (repoussé work).
Decoration:
- The principal motif is a small central boss surrounded by four concentric circles in low relief. This is repeated around the bracelet.
- Between pairs of circular motifs is a linear pattern made from raised dots consisting of an "X" combined with a vertical line.
- The frieze of circular and cross motifs is framed above and below by pairs of horizontal lines made from raised dots placed near the edge of the bronze band.
Bibliography:
Brendel, O. J., Etruscan Art, London, Penguin, 1978, 29-33 ("Metallic Arts").
Higgins, R., "Jewellery", Roman Crafts, eds, D. Strong and D. Brown, New York, New York University Press, 1976, 53-61.
Comparanda:
Hencken, H., Tarquinia and Etruscan Origins, London, Thames and Hudson, 1968, Fig. 129 (bronze pectoral with similar patterns; Villanovan II from Monterozzi).
Pincelli, R. and C. M. Govi, La Necropoli Villanoviana di San Vitale, Bologna, Istituto per la Storia di Bologna, 1975, Vol. II, Tavola 170, 2 (Tomba 335) (bracelet made from sheet bronze with punched linear decoration).