ITEM: Fibula MATERIAL: Silver CULTURE: Italic PERIOD: 8th - 5th Century B.C DIMENSIONS: 22 mm x 43 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1990 - 2000s PARALLEL: HATTATT'S R., A visual catalogue of ancient brooches, p. 285, Fig. 199 Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks. Italic fibulae represent the diverse and intricate styles of garment fasteners produced by the various indigenous tribes of the Italian peninsula, such as the Villanovans, Samnites, and Picentes, primarily during the Iron Age. These objects were the precursors to the more standardized Roman designs and are characterized by an incredible array of regional variations. Unlike the later military-style pins, Italic fibulae were often highly decorative, featuring oversized bows, complex geometric engraving, and even attachments like amber or bone beads, reflecting a period of intense artistic experimentation and tribal identity. The "leech" (sanguisuga) and "boat" (navicella) types are among the most famous examples of Italic craftsmanship. These fibulae featured thickened bows that provided a larger surface area for ornamentation, often decorated with delicate incisions or inlaid materials. For the people of ancient Italy, these were not merely utilitarian pins but essential indicators of gender, wealth, and social standing. In female burials, particularly in the northern and central regions, it is common to find sets of these heavy bronze fibulae, sometimes still attached to the remains of rich textiles, signifying the high status of the wearer within her community. Technologically, the production of Italic fibulae showcased the advanced metallurgical skills of the pre-Roman inhabitants of Italy. Artisans mastered the art of lost-wax casting and fine wire-work to create pieces that were both durable and aesthetically striking. As trade routes expanded, these styles began to blend with Etruscan and Greek influences, leading to even more elaborate designs. Today, these fibulae are critical for archaeologists as they help map the cultural boundaries and trade networks of the ancient Italic peoples before their eventual assimilation into the Roman Republic.