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LOT 0526
Greek Geometric Period Bow Brooch
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
3 3/4 in. (55 grams, 95 mm).
Keeled bow with central bulb, integral pin and large, square 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 this type of fibula 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. This typology was introduced in South Italy by the Greeks, and was widespread in the Magna Graecia. Like all female fibulae, it functioned as a clothing fastener, usually worn as a pair on each shoulder.
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AUCTIONS:
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Greek Bronze Bow Brooch
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Deeply arched bow with a central barrel-shaped extension, integral pin and rectangular footplate. 46.8 grams, 60 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
The distinctive form of this fibula seems to be an Italic variant of characteristic Geometric period examples from Thessaly that have been discovered in large numbers, for example in the sanctuary of Zeus Thaulios near Pharos. It belongs to the category of Greek catch plate brooches, although the rectangular footplate is substantially reduced than the Greek prototypes, and the two grooves on the bow are narrower than the continental Greek ones. -
Greek Bronze Bow Fibula
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
The keeled bow with a central bulb, integral pin and large catch-plate. 29 grams, 89 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
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. -
Cypriot Bichrome Ware Terracotta Horse Model
Circa 850-750 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £611
Modelled in the round, detailed in black and crimson. 168 grams, 13 cm high
Lt. Col. H.A. Hill, R.A.M.C. while stationed in Cyprus as S.M.O in the 1920s, thence by descent.