Votive boat fibula, Etruria, 750-650 BC
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Links to other views:⇒ Larger Viewif scripting is off, click the ⇒ instead. Links to others of type FibulaCeltic bronze fibula, La Tene, 500 BCGilded bronze fibula, Byzantium, 400 AD Large gold pin, Etruria, 700-600 BC Silver pin with ibexes, Luristan, 750 BC Spectacle fibula, Greece, 950-800 BC |
This massive bronze fibula is a literal representation of an Etruscan warship. Weighing almost a pound, it would have been impractical as a garment accessory. Instead, it was probably affixed to votive or decorative elements. The type of Etruscan warship it evokes is beautifully illustrated on a krater (mixing bowl) found in Cerveteri and signed by Aristonothos (650 BC), the eldest Greek painter installed in Caere, Etruria. Note: The photograph was retouched to show the broken pin in place as it will be once restoration is complete. Bibliography (for this item)Bianchi Bandinelli, Ranuccio, and Antonio Guiliano1973 Les étrusques et l’Italie avant Rome. Gallimard, Paris, France. (plate 177:151-153) Münzen und Medaillen, 1986 Auktion 70. Kunswerke der Antike. Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Swizerland. (39: plate 133) Paget, R. F. 1973 Central Italy: an archeological guide. Noyes Press, Park Ridge, NJ. |
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