Italic Bronze Fibula
06
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05
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Italic bronze fibula dating to the 8th–5th century BC, 35 × 62 mm, in good condition, from an European private collection, with Certificate of Authenticity and EU export licence.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Fibula
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Italic
PERIOD: 8th - 5th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 35 mm x 62 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex ALARA S.P.R.L (1976), Ex F.K. collection, 1972 - 1976
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Fibula
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Italic
PERIOD: 8th - 5th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 35 mm x 62 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex ALARA S.P.R.L (1976), Ex F.K. collection, 1972 - 1976
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Italic
Century/ Timeframe
8th - 5th Century B.C
Name of object
Fibula
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Switzerland
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
