Fibula, boat-shaped type
Unknown Artist
8th–6th century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Other: 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture
Italic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, 1896
Accession Number
96.9.319
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze fibula, or ancient brooch, hails from Italic culture in central Italy during the 8–6th century BCE a formative period bridging the Iron Age and early urbanization. Shaped like a boat—complete with a curved bow and stern—this clasp would have fastened garments, serving both practical and decorative purposes for elite wearers among pre-Roman Italic peoples, such as the Villanovans or early Latins. Its modest size, just 4 1/8 inches (10.5 cm) long, belies its cultural weight as a personal adornment reflecting trade, craftsmanship, and social status. Crafted from bronze, a d...