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Collections / Itineraries / Etruscan Collection: Villanovan phase (900-680 B.C.)

Set of fibulae with a flattened composite bow

Fibulae were brooches similar to the current safety pins, used to fasten non-sewn hems on garments or cloaks.

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Fibulae developed in a significant variety of shapes, and for this reason they represent a convincing chronological reference. Among others, fibulae similar to those showed here became extremely common in women’s sepulchres placed in the area of Bologna during the 8th century B.C. The arc of the bow was formed of a small thin rod and a bronze wire on these fibulae, and covered with coloured glass pearls or amber elements. It can be assumed that a large amount of variously moulded fibulae was placed in the most opulent women’s sepulchres to testify to the deceased's social class and her family group.

Provenance: Bologna, Benacci-Caprara Necropolis, tomb 32.
Datation: 750 - 720 B.C.
Material: bronze, glass and amber
Dimensions: length: 4.2 to 7.3 cm.
Inventory #: 23187, 23728, 23185 and 23192

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