Central Italy, Etruria, ca. 600 to 400 BCE. A fine bronze bow shaped fibula pin for a cloak or tunic made from a thick wire in a semi-circular shape. One end is hammered to create a flat terminal with a curved edge as the clasp. At the other end, the wire is coiled to create a spring for the sharpened pin to articulate. The arched wire and clasp are decorated with simple incised lines. Fibulae were the ancient equivalent of the modern safety pin. They were used by the Greeks, Etruscans, Romans, and other ancient people from the earliest times until late antiquity to pin garments such as togas or chitons at the shoulder. Fibulae have been found in many forms. A fine and intact example with a dark patina! Size: 2.75" L x 0.125" W (7 cm x 0.3 cm)

Provenance: private San Diego, California, USA collection, acquired from the 1980s to 2000s, purchased May 18, 2003 from Alcala Gallery, La Jolla, California, USA; ex private Rancho Santa Fe collection

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#163265

Chips and abrasion along fibular arch. Pin still articulates and the bronze retains some elasticity, but is stiff, and we recommend moving the pin as little as possible to prevent snapping. Surface is cleaned but retains light mineral deposits on clasp and spring.