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Details

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]

Provenance

From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Literature

Cf. Moon-Ja, K., ‘A study on Ancient Fibulae’ in IJCC, vol.8, no.2, 2005, pp.71-84 fig.3, for the type.

Footnotes

The 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.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 0509

Greek Bronze Bow Fibula

Sold for (Inc. bp): £124

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