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LOT 0509
Greek Bronze Bow Fibula
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
3 1/2 in. (29 grams, 89 mm).
The keeled bow with a central bulb, integral pin and large catch-plate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
LiteratureCf. Moon-Ja, K., ‘A study on Ancient Fibulae’ in IJCC, vol.8, no.2, 2005, pp.71-84 fig.3, for the type.
FootnotesThe function of the catch-plate fibulae was utilitarian and decorative, they were used for woollen clothing (Herodotus V, 87) and they have been found in houses, tombs and as votive offerings in sanctuaries. Our fibula is an early type, very often found in the graves of the Greek colonies of Southern Italy and widespread in the Magna Graecia. This typology was introduced there by the Greeks. Like all female fibulae, it functioned as a clothing fastener, usually worn as a pair on each shoulder.
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