Bronze Fibula Fragment

Unknown

725–700 B.C.

Bronze

J. Paul Getty Museum

A fragment of a bronze fibula is decorated with incised geometric patterns and a stylized depiction of a quadruped, possibly a deer or horse. The object has a curved, segmented arm with bulbous elements. The incised decoration on the catchplate of this fibula (pin) depicts a horse framed by a border of geometric patterns one side, and a meander pattern on the reverse. Used to fasten women's clothing, fibulae were popular votive offerings in sanctuaries, and may have been dedicated along with garments. Some examples, however, have been found in graves, suggesting they served a funereal as well as votive function. Similar fibulae with incised decoration are characteristic of types produced in Thessaly in northern Greece. Kilian-Dirlmeier, Irma. "Drei Kleinbronzen im J. Paul Getty Museum." The J. Paul Getty Museum Journal 6/7 (1978-197