South Italian Metalwork: Bronze Fibula 

Inv. No.: 95.085a
Provenance: South Italy
Date: c. 6th century BC
Height: 25mm
Length: 58mm
 
A fragmentary bronze fibula or brooch. There is a long catch-plate and a simple arched bow. The catch-plate is rectangular in shape with low, straight sides. A short, rectangular piece of metal or knob extends from one side of the end. The bow is a flattened oval shape in cross section. A double spiral spring remains, but the pin is missing. The piece is slightly corroded, but otherwise in good condition.

Function:
A type of safety pin, used to hold garments together.

Manufacture:
Made by hammering and rolling the metal into shape.

Bibliography:
Guzzo, P.G., "The Jewelry of the Western Greeks" in G. P. Carratelli (ed.), The Western Greeks, exhibition catalogue, Palazzo Grassi, Venice, 1996, 471-480.

Hattatt, R., Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, Dorset Publishing Company, 1982, 186-194 ("Pre-Roman Italian Brooches").

Hattatt, R., Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, Oxbow Books, 1985, 230-231.

Comparanda:
Hattatt, R., Ancient and Romano-British Brooches, Sherborne, Dorset Publishing Company, 1982, Fig. 82, Type 201 (similar, but not identical pre-Roman Italian brooch).

Hattatt, R., Iron Age and Roman Brooches, Oxford, Oxbow Books, 1985, No. 715 (very similar, Certosa brooch).