Bronze Fibula: Roman Rabbit Brooch, circa 2nd Century AD
A charming, small Roman bronze zoomorphic brooch depicting a crouching rabbit facing right. The surface shows a nice green patina and remarkably, the spring-loaded pin is intact. For a nearly identical brooch found in Roman Britain see Hattatt “Ancient Brooches,” plate 1634.
The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. In the severe climate of northern Europe, it routinely functioned as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The safety-pin type of fibula continued to be used up into the Middle Ages.
(33 mm in Length – 1 5/16”)
