Central Europe, early Hallstatt culture, ca. 800 BCE. A superb bronze bracelet or armband of a thick composition cast using the lost wax (cire perdue) technique. The heavy accessory has a rounded interior surface with linear and stippled pattern-molded motifs along the exterior. Adding to the elegant appearance are layers of stunning emerald-green patina that have a silky-smooth texture. An amazing example of high-quality bronze-smithing from ancient Europe! Size: 3.25" Diameter (8.3 cm); 2.5" W on the interior (6.4 cm).

Hallstatt culture developed from the earlier Urnfield culture, and would progress into the later La Tene culture, which is often called Celtic. However, these names and classifications have been imposed upon ancient peoples by archaeologists and historians (Hallstatt, for example, takes its name from the type site, which is located in Austria southeast of Salzburg). Roughly 2700 years ago, these people lived in small groups, probably loosely confederated for trading purposes but engaging in frequent warfare. Elites controlled powerful hillforts and revered the horse, traveling by and perhaps warring with chariots. They were buried with beautiful bronze jewelry like this.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-private collection, alpine region, acquired 1990s

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#136880

Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks to exterior surfaces, and light fading to finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas, and stunning green patina throughout.