**Originally Listed At $350**

Greece, especially northern Greece, Classical period, ca. 5th to 4th century BCE. A beautiful silver fibula (brooch) of arched form, with 5 large, studded bands around its curved, half-moon shape. A palmette forms one end of the clasp, while an abstract anthropomorphic form with two "eyes" that look like they may have once had copper inlays forms the other end. This side has a folded over piece of silver on the back that the pin would have slotted into to hold it in place. Fibulae were brooches used to fasten or pin garments such as cloaks by various ancient cultures. In addition to being functional - taking the place of straight pins used during the Neolithic and Bronze Age - these accessories were quite decorative. Although buttons would eventually replace them, the safety pins that we use today may be understood as descendants of these forms. A fibula cast from silver is quite rare. Size: 1.7" W x 1" H (4.3 cm x 2.5 cm); silver quality: 63.2%; weight: 10.2 grams

Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 52.36.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175440

Missing pin which inhibits wearability. Some nicks and abrasions to surface, all commensurate with age, but otherwise excellent with nice remaining detail and rich patina.