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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1968.90
Title
Bow Fibula with Corrugated Bow
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
fibula, pin
Date
7th-5th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia
Period
Archaic period to Classical
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/287221

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bronze
Technique
Cast and hammered
Dimensions
2.5 x 4.3 x 0.8 cm (1 x 1 11/16 x 5/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: XRF data from Artax 1
Alloy: Bronze
Alloying Elements: copper, tin
Other Elements: lead, iron, antimony
Comments: The fibula and pin have the same elements.
K. Eremin, January 2014

Technical Observations: The patina consists of raised green corrosion products that cover most surfaces. The condition is generally good. Where the corrosion has flaked away, the surface is well preserved.

The bow was cast, probably from a model made directly in the wax. The catchplate was hammered from one end of the cast bow. The spring and pin were cold worked to their shape and inserted into a hole at the end of the bow, which is deeply crimped to secure it.


Henry Lie (submitted 2012)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Richard R. Wagner, gift; to the Fogg Museum, 1968.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Richard R. Wagner
Accession Year
1968
Object Number
1968.90
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
The fibula has an arching bow and a simple flattened catchplate folded into a U-shape. The bow is covered by a series of raised horizontal ridges. The spring is triple coiled. The pin is circular in section and flattened out to a square-section at the coil, becoming circular again at the juncture with the bow.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu