Ancient Greek Late Archaic Bronze Arched Fibula (Brooch) Culture / Period: Ancient Greek, Late Archaic Period Date / Period: 6th–4th century B.C. Material: Bronze Dimensions: 91 mm Condition: Good condition No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid. Provenance information: Object Registration ID: 748 The current owner purchased the Ancient Greek Late Archaic Bronze Arched Fibula (Brooch) from an auction house in Schiedam, the Netherlands. The previous owner, a private collector (N.N.) from the Netherlands, stated that the object had been in his collection since the 1990s. According to the previous owner, the object had previously formed part of a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1990s. No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner. Background Information: This impressive bronze arched fibula is a large and well-preserved example of the dress fasteners used throughout the Greek world during the Late Archaic and early Classical periods. Before the introduction of buttons, fibulae were indispensable for fastening cloaks, mantles, and tunics, combining a practical function with decorative craftsmanship. The robust arched bow is enhanced by moulded collars at the terminals and subtle ring decoration along the bow, while the long pin and catch remain preserved, demonstrating the original working mechanism. Fibulae of this substantial size were particularly suited to securing heavy outer garments and cloaks worn by both men and women. Such brooches were produced by skilled bronze workers using established casting and forging techniques before being carefully finished by hand. Similar examples have been recovered from settlements, sanctuaries, and burial contexts throughout the Greek world and neighbouring regions, reflecting widespread cultural exchange and the diffusion of metalworking traditions across the Mediterranean. Dating to the 6th–4th century B.C., this fibula belongs to a period of significant artistic and technological development in ancient Greece. Its large size and excellent state of preservation make it a particularly attractive example of ancient personal dress equipment. It forms a tangible connection to the ancient world, where objects of this kind played an essential role in everyday clothing while also expressing craftsmanship, identity, and status.