Bronze Fibula: Bird Brooch - Ancient Roman, circa 2nd Century AD
A very fine ancient Roman bronze zoomorphic brooch depicting a bird, possibly a dove. The form is very sculptured and streamlined with incised designs on the wings and tail. It has a fine dark brown patina. The pin, spring mechanism and catchplate are present and intact. Other bird brooches are pictured in Hattatt “Ancient Brooches,” page 361 , notably item #1637.
The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world, originally functioning as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches that served both as functional and decorative elements. The “safety-pin” type of fibula/brooch continued to be used up into the Middle Ages.
(35 mm – 1 3/8” in Length)
