Celtiberian Bronze Annular Brooch

$82.14

A very fine Celtiberian bronze annular brooch. The brooch features a free-moving central pin, connected to the circular body via a loop. Resting above the pin is a catch plate, which arches above the rest of the brooch and is thicker than the other components. The brooch is modelled from cast bronze, with no decorative embellishments. Brooches such as this were widely popular, owing to their simplicity and ease of use, and remained commonplace until the Late Medieval period.

Date: Circa 3rd-2nd Century BC
Period: Iron Age
Condition: Fine condition.

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SKU: CS-85 Category: Tags: ,

The Celtiberians occupied the central-eastern Iberian Peninsula during the final centuries BC, and are mentioned by several classical authors, though no formal definition of the group is provided. They displayed similarities with, but also significant differences from, the Celts of central Europe, such as those of La Tène culture. Metalwork stands out in Celtiberian archaeological finds, however the majority of these are objects pertaining to warfare, such as horse trappings and prestige weapons.

Brooches were a necessary accessory across the ancient world, being used to secure the garments of both men and women. A man would typically secure his dress or cloak using a pin, whilst a lady would more likely use a pin brooch. Brooches differ in their decoration and intricacy depending on the wealth of the original owner, and the period in which they were made. Some later brooches are made from silver or gold and clad with stones, whilst others are plainer and made from cast bronze. Brooches could also be enamelled to add colour and vibrancy to the wearer’s clothes.

Weight 5.5 g
Dimensions W 3.0 cm
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Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum 1926,0607.3