Early Iron-Age Bronze Spectacle Fibula

Object Description

A fine bronze spectacle fibula dating to the Early Iron Age. The fibula is made of a continuous bronze wire wound in different directions forming two spirals. The wire leads the eye inward, towards a central conical cap, attached by an iron rivet. The two spirals are linked by a vertically arranged figure-of-eight coil formed from the same wire. From archaeological evidence, such fibulae served to connect the front and back halves of garments at the shoulders of the wearers.

Diameter of each spiral: 5cm

Date: Circa 11th–7th century BC
Period: Early Iron Age

Object Condition

Very fine condition. The piece is mostly whole except for the missing pin and catch-plate. The surface is covered with a beautiful green patination. There is some rust to the back of the iron rivets. The fibula is mounted onto a custom-made stand.

Object Details