Jewellery & Goldsmiths' Work
Fibula (Pin)
MetalworkJewellery
Details
- Author / creator
- South Italy, Campania
- Object type
- Jewellery
- Date or period
- 400–200 BCE
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 8 cm
- Maker or workshop
- South Italy, Campania
- Period / style
- Gothic
- Place of origin
- South Italy
- Acquisition method
- Purchase
- Credit line
- Purchased with the Hartley Bequest Fund, 1947
About this object
This extravagant fibula, likely used to fasten garments, is decorated with gold rosettes and vines. An enormous leech-shaped bow and pin form the body of the fibula. A band of rosettes adorns the center of the bow. Above the bow, a gold plaque is adorned with an eight-petaled flower and palmette filigree. A gold bead, perhaps representing a pomegranate, tops the plaque. The bead is crowned with oblong petals and sprouting leaves.
Materials and technique
Gold
