Large European Bronze Age Spiral Fibula

£ 1,500.00

An exquisite bronze spectacle fibula dating to the European Bronze Age. The design features two large spirals, formed of a continuous piece of bronze, twisting at the centre to form a figure-of-eight. On the reverse of one spiral, the bronze elongates to form a pin for attachment. A vertical hook is worked from the reverse of the other spiral into which the pin is placed. A lovely olive green patination features throughout. A section of the bronze is missing from the second-inner loop of one spiral. This piece is accompanied by a custom-made stand.

Measurements below include the stand.

Date: Circa 1200-800 BC
Condition: There is an interruption in one of the loops on one spiral where the bronze has broken; otherwise the piece is in exquisite condition.

SOLD

SKU: KW-90 Category: Tags: ,

Fibulae may best be understood as a type of brooch formed of a single piece of bronze, skilfully manipulated into a variety of motifs. Spirals, especially in gold, were commonly associated with the Sun in ancient European cultures, with a loose spiral representing the long days of summer and a tight spiral, the shorter days of winter. The Celtic spiral is a dynamic and popular symbol, indicative of endless movement and in use from the Neolithic period (circa 5000 BC). Bronze craftsmen continued to use the pattern during the Bronze Age, though more flamboyant and flatter spiral patterns were favoured. Such spiral themed items would have been placed amongst burial goods. From the early Bronze Age in Europe, burials became more individual, with the deceased laid to rest in individual, rather than communal, barrows. As a result, grave goods became more varied and personalised, including the jewellery worn by the deceased during his or her life.

To discover more about spirals in Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post: The Symbolism of the Spiral in Celtic Imagery.

Weight 402.6 g
Dimensions L 17.2 x W 5.9 x H 13.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

,

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 2009,5020.1

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