South Italian Metalwork: Silver Fibulae

Inv. No.: 95.088a
Provenance: South Italy (Metaponto)
Date: 6th century BC
Height: 39mm
Length: 97mm
 
Two silver fibulae (with 95.088b) of similar shape. Each has a long catch-plate with a rounded knob at the end and a bow with a double arc shape. In the case of the larger, intact fibula, the double arc is made from two pieces of metal placed side by side and joined at the ends. There is a double spring and a thick pin. The smaller example is similar, but the double arc bow is made from a single piece of metal. This is flat on the inside and rounded on its outer surface. Part of the spring and the pin are missing from this piece. In both examples, the metal is pitted and slightly corroded.

Function:
Fibulae are a type of safety pin and were used to fasten garments together.

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

Bibliography:
Carratelli, G. P. (ed.), The Western Greeks, exhibition catalogue, Palazzo Grassi, Venice, 1996, 642-644.

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").

Comparanda:
Carratelli, G. P. (ed.), The Western Greeks, exhibition catalogue, Palazzo Grassi, Venice, 1996, Catalogue No. 106, VI (group of silver fibulae of similar shape, from a cemetery at Braida, South Italy, perhaps made by craftsmen who came from other countries to work for the wealthy inhabitants of this area).

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