Bronze Age Fibulae

Bronze Age Fibulae.

8th Century B.C.E.
Central European.

The three fibulae are made identically, each one from two lengths of wire which have been very tightly twisted into two coiled spirals; the central part of the wire between each pair of spirals was drilled and secured with a bronze pin to form these unusual four lobed motifs.

Although very little art from the European Bronze Age survives, brooches like these give us an idea of the designs which are likely to be found on other artefacts, maybe they were carved into wooden bowls and pressed into pottery.

This conjoined spiral is certainly amongst the oldest of designs from ancient Europe and is found in the Neolithic period which preceded the Bronze Age. It is likely that this spiral motif had ritualistic significance and indeed it is found in primitive cultures elsewhere in the world.

Condition: Excellent unrestored condition, mounted on contemporary bronze stands.

Provenance:
Swiss Private Collection.
Dr R.H (1922-2007).
Acquired on the European art market in the 1980s -1990s.

Reference:
Antiquities from Europe and the Near East in the Collection of The Lord McAlpine of West Green pub. Ashmolean Publications.

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number