Romano-British La Tène III Bronze Brooch

$44.20

A finely cast Romano-British bronze brooch, known as the La Tene III type (Nauheim variation). It is characteristic of the style, the flat bow tapering to a pointed foot, and leaving no step to the catch-plate. The catch plate is solid which is common on most brooches and an integral fixture of the bow. The pin consists of four coiled rings and tapers to a narrow point.

Date: Circa mid-1st century BC - late 1st century AD
Provenance: From a Surrey gentleman's collection (DG), purchased on the London Art Market from an ADA member, formed 1990's onward.
Condition: Fine condition. Covered in rich brown patina.

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SKU: HL-402 Category: Tags: ,

Fibulae or brooches were originally used in Ancient Greece and in the Roman Empire for fastening garments, such as cloaks or togae. The fibula designs developed into a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle.  The La Tène III brooches are one of the most common brooches in Britain, although they originated most likely in Gaul and were brought over to Britain by the Belgae. La Tène III brooches follow on from the earlier type I and II style, however they display a rather simpler aesthetical appeal. Most La Tène III brooches are delicate in size and simplified in regards to their decorations, although elaborate examples are known. The style phased out towards the end of the 1st century AD with the introduction of more elaborate Colchester type brooches. This example is simple in style and thus a practical and utilitarian piece. It’s flattened and widened bow labels it as a Nauheim variety, named after the small area of Bad Nauheim in West Germany. Such fibulae were imports from the continent and were popular at the time of Rome’s invasion. They are thought to be mostly ladies brooches.

Weight 1.6 g
Dimensions L 2.2 x W 1 x H 1.1 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For similar: The British Museum, London, item 1856,0701.976