Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Bronze belt plaque with stylized zoomorphic decoration – Late Antiquity - 17 mm (No reserve price)
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Bronze belt plaque with a stylized zoomorphic decoration from late antiquity (IV–VII century) in the late Roman/early medieval style, measuring 17 × 35 × 17 mm, cast bronze, from Spain, acquired from a gallery/antiquarian in 1960, authentic/original and in good condition with two rivets on the reverse.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Bronze belt fitting with stylized zoomorphic decoration – Late Antiquity
Culture: Late Roman or early medieval, provisional attribution.
Proposed dating: 4th–7th centuries CE.
Material: Cast bronze.
Dimensions: 17 × 35 × 17 mm.
An interesting bronze ornamental fitting, characterized by its distinctive geometric design, pronounced reliefs, and a frontal decoration of possible zoomorphic interpretation.
The piece features an elongated, symmetric body, with a top terminus provided with an attachment element and a triangular lower end that ends in a point.
The obverse is ornamented with two deeply recessed circular motifs, surrounded by curvilinear elements and lateral projections that, together, evoke a schematic animal face. The composition stands out for its expressiveness and for the contrast between smooth surfaces and pronounced reliefs.
On the reverse it preserves two solid fixation rivets, probably intended to secure the piece to a leather strap. Its configuration suggests a function related to belt fittings or elements of personal equipment.
It presents an attractive dark patina, in olive-green and blackish-brown tones, with earthy deposits that accentuate its archaeological character.
Conservation status: Apparent good structural integrity, with recognizable frontal decoration, upper attachment element, and both rear rivets preserved. Surface wear and concretions in line with its archaeological state.
A singular piece of ancient metalwork, especially attractive for its possible zoomorphic decoration, its careful symmetry, and its interesting fixing system.
Bronze belt fitting with stylized zoomorphic decoration – Late Antiquity
Culture: Late Roman or early medieval, provisional attribution.
Proposed dating: 4th–7th centuries CE.
Material: Cast bronze.
Dimensions: 17 × 35 × 17 mm.
An interesting bronze ornamental fitting, characterized by its distinctive geometric design, pronounced reliefs, and a frontal decoration of possible zoomorphic interpretation.
The piece features an elongated, symmetric body, with a top terminus provided with an attachment element and a triangular lower end that ends in a point.
The obverse is ornamented with two deeply recessed circular motifs, surrounded by curvilinear elements and lateral projections that, together, evoke a schematic animal face. The composition stands out for its expressiveness and for the contrast between smooth surfaces and pronounced reliefs.
On the reverse it preserves two solid fixation rivets, probably intended to secure the piece to a leather strap. Its configuration suggests a function related to belt fittings or elements of personal equipment.
It presents an attractive dark patina, in olive-green and blackish-brown tones, with earthy deposits that accentuate its archaeological character.
Conservation status: Apparent good structural integrity, with recognizable frontal decoration, upper attachment element, and both rear rivets preserved. Surface wear and concretions in line with its archaeological state.
A singular piece of ancient metalwork, especially attractive for its possible zoomorphic decoration, its careful symmetry, and its interesting fixing system.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
S IV DC
Name of object
Bronze belt plaque with stylized zoomorphic decoration – Late Antiquity
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
1960
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
17 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
35 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
17 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
