Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze A strap junction with bull's head and Christian Symbols, with Spanish Import License - 13 cm
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Current bid
€ 250
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,400
 | €250 | |
|---|---|---|
| €1 |
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Late Roman/Early Byzantine bronze three-way strap distributor with a central three‑dimensional bull’s head, a punched-dot Christian cross above, and two oval plates with incised vine motifs; olive‑green patina, very good condition, dimensions 13 cm by 14 cm, dating to the 6th–7th century AD, with provenance from a private Rhineland collection and acquired in Germany in 2026.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Solid cast bronze three-way strap distributor, designed as an equestrian harness fitting. At the centre, where the three circular rings converge, is a projecting three-dimensional bull's head with simplified but expressive features. A Christian cross is engraved above the animal using a punched-dot technique. On either side are two oval bronze plates decorated with incised, stylised vine branches bearing clusters of grapes. The individual grapes are rendered using a distinctive ring-and-dot motif. The combination of the animal protome, Christian cross and vine ornament creates a particularly rich decorative scheme, while the olive-green patina and minimal mineral encrustation enhance the object's archaeological character.
This bronze harness fitting dates to the Early Byzantine period, approximately the 6th–7th century AD, a period marked by the transformation of the late Roman world and the consolidation of Christianity throughout the Byzantine Empire. Equestrian equipment remained an essential part of everyday life, military activity and long-distance transport, and bronze fittings could combine practical functionality with elaborate decorative and symbolic elements. The bull, a long-established motif in Greco-Roman art associated with strength and vitality, appears here together with a prominently engraved Christian cross, reflecting the coexistence of classical artistic traditions and Christian symbolism characteristic of Late Antique and Early Byzantine material culture.
Condition: Very good condition. The metal structure is complete and stable, with the relief of the bull's head and the incised decorative details remaining clearly legible. The surface displays an attractive olive-green patina with minimal encrustation.
Provenance: Private collection, Rhineland, M. W., acquired on the German art market in the 1990s.
Acquired in Germany, 2026.
Similar Examples
A closely related example is preserved in the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada (Object No. 427400), catalogued as a “Harness attachment with a bull's head” and dated to the Late Roman–Early Byzantine period. It is made of bronze and displays a highly comparable three-ring configuration surmounted by a bull's head.
Another close parallel is a Byzantine bronze harness fitting dated to approximately the 5th–7th century AD, featuring three rings, a bull's head and a Christian cross engraved above the animal.
Comparable bull's-head strap spreaders are also represented in the European archaeological and antiquities market, confirming the established typology of decorated bronze fittings associated with Roman and Byzantine equestrian equipment.
Shipping rates includes insurances for full value of the item.
Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Solid cast bronze three-way strap distributor, designed as an equestrian harness fitting. At the centre, where the three circular rings converge, is a projecting three-dimensional bull's head with simplified but expressive features. A Christian cross is engraved above the animal using a punched-dot technique. On either side are two oval bronze plates decorated with incised, stylised vine branches bearing clusters of grapes. The individual grapes are rendered using a distinctive ring-and-dot motif. The combination of the animal protome, Christian cross and vine ornament creates a particularly rich decorative scheme, while the olive-green patina and minimal mineral encrustation enhance the object's archaeological character.
This bronze harness fitting dates to the Early Byzantine period, approximately the 6th–7th century AD, a period marked by the transformation of the late Roman world and the consolidation of Christianity throughout the Byzantine Empire. Equestrian equipment remained an essential part of everyday life, military activity and long-distance transport, and bronze fittings could combine practical functionality with elaborate decorative and symbolic elements. The bull, a long-established motif in Greco-Roman art associated with strength and vitality, appears here together with a prominently engraved Christian cross, reflecting the coexistence of classical artistic traditions and Christian symbolism characteristic of Late Antique and Early Byzantine material culture.
Condition: Very good condition. The metal structure is complete and stable, with the relief of the bull's head and the incised decorative details remaining clearly legible. The surface displays an attractive olive-green patina with minimal encrustation.
Provenance: Private collection, Rhineland, M. W., acquired on the German art market in the 1990s.
Acquired in Germany, 2026.
Similar Examples
A closely related example is preserved in the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada (Object No. 427400), catalogued as a “Harness attachment with a bull's head” and dated to the Late Roman–Early Byzantine period. It is made of bronze and displays a highly comparable three-ring configuration surmounted by a bull's head.
Another close parallel is a Byzantine bronze harness fitting dated to approximately the 5th–7th century AD, featuring three rings, a bull's head and a Christian cross engraved above the animal.
Comparable bull's-head strap spreaders are also represented in the European archaeological and antiquities market, confirming the established typology of decorated bronze fittings associated with Roman and Byzantine equestrian equipment.
Shipping rates includes insurances for full value of the item.
Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Details
Culture
Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Century/timeframe
6th-7th century
Name of object
A strap junction with bull's head and Christian Symbols, with Spanish Import License
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
13 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Width
14 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Licensed replica
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.
