Fibula with Solar Design

Fibula with Solar Design

c. 700–675 BC

Bronze

Overall: 15.4 x 11.2 cm (6 1/16 x 4 7/16 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1999.9

Location

Did you know?

A fibula is an ancient safety pin that held garments in place.

Description

The crescent body of this bronze fibula (brooch) features both incised and punched decoration. Three sets of three arrows have been interpreted as indicating the daily route of the sun, shown at the arc’s center as a series of radiating punch marks within a shallowly incised circle. When worn, the arc may have hung downward, a large ornamental addition to the functional pin used to secure its wearer’s clothing.

See also
Collection: 
GR - Greek
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Metalwork
Medium: 
Bronze

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