Ancient Greek Bronze Pair bow brooches (Phrygian type)

"Ancient Greek Bronze Pair of Bow Brooches (Phrygian Type)

Culture / Period: Ancient Greek
Date / Period: 8th–6th century B.C.
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 27–36 mm
Condition: Good condition

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Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 683

The current owner purchased the Ancient Greek bronze pair of bow brooches (Phrygian type) from a private collector, N.N.

The previous owner, a private collector, N.N. from the Netherlands, stated that the objects had been in his collection since the 1990s.

According to the previous owner, the objects had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1990s.

No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the objects was available from the previous owner.

Background Information:
This pair of bronze bow brooches belongs to the Phrygian type, a well-known form of Early Iron Age fibula widely used throughout the Greek world and western Anatolia during the 8th–6th centuries B.C. The arched bows, decorated with moulded collars and rounded terminals, are characteristic features of this long-lived and recognisable design.

Fibulae functioned as practical fasteners for cloaks, mantles, and tunics, making them indispensable items of everyday dress for both men and women. Beyond their practical purpose, they also served as personal ornaments, with variations in form and decoration reflecting regional styles and the skill of local bronze workers. Pairs of brooches were frequently worn together to secure heavier garments.

The Phrygian type originated in central Anatolia before spreading throughout the eastern Mediterranean via trade networks and cultural exchange. Bronze craftsmen produced these brooches using established casting techniques, creating durable objects that combined functionality with decorative appeal. Comparable examples have been recovered from settlements, sanctuaries, and burials across Greece, Asia Minor, and the Balkans, illustrating their widespread popularity.

Dating to the 8th–6th century B.C., these brooches belong to the Archaic period, an era marked by expanding trade, technological innovation, and artistic development. They provide a direct and tangible connection to the people of antiquity, for whom such objects formed an essential part of daily attire while reflecting the shared craftsmanship and cultural traditions of the ancient Greek world."