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Roman silver fibula from Pannonia

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Object number
AR3050F
Object: Roman fibula from Pannonia

Material: Silver.

Period: Roman Imperial period.
2nd cent. AD to mid 3rd cent. AD.

Description:    The Roman silver fibula has a bow divided in two sections. The head section consists of a rectangular plate flanked by a decorative linear decoration and is rolled up towards the head. The foot section consists of a waisted plate with a central rib and a raised foot. A small decorative knob is attached at the end. The needle is connected to a small crossbar with a hinge and is secured by a long catch plate.
This interesting type of fibula comes from the Roman Pannonian provinces. Finds are known from the Danube countries. A piece very similar to this specimen was found near the Roman camp and settlement of Carnuntum in what is now Austria [Hattatt No. 1659].

Background: Fibulae were more than just brooches or pins for fastening garments. They were jewellery and status symbol and were worn prominently near the shoulder. This explains the abundance of fashionable shapes and styles that can be observed with surviving ancient pieces. They vary with region, era and social background of the wearer. Modern archaeology uses that distinctiveness to quickly attribute an archaeological find whenever a fibula is part of it.

Dimensions: 29mm length. 18mm width.

Condition: Very good condition. Body of the fibula fully intact including decorations. Original pin is preserved.

Provenance: Acquired by us in 2020 on the German art market. Previously in the Austrian private collection M. S., exported from Austria to Germany in 2019 with approval from the Austrian Federal Monuments Office. Acquired into the collection in the 1970ies.

References: Cf. R. Hattatt, Ancient Brooches and other Artefacts, p. 191, no. 1659. Also shown in R. Hattatt, A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches, p. 335, no. 1659.
Cf. S. Redic, Finding of roman brooches in the cemeteries of Viminacium, type XVI.

Literature: A superb and compact overview on the subject of ancient fibulae is given by R. Heynowski in his book "Fibeln - erkennen, bestimmen, beschreiben" (Deutscher Kunstverlag, 2012, German language).

Authenticity: We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.