Bronze dragon-type fibula (safety pin)

Italic

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 170

These three pieces are excellent examples of a type of dragon fibula with elongated clasp and bow embellished by pairs of bronze bud-like knobs. Normally, only three or four pairs of knobs are used, but on two of the examples shown here (1991.171.17, .18), there are eight, no doubt a reflection of the original owner's high status. The type appears to have been confined to the ancient regions of Campania and Samnium in South-central Italy.

Bronze dragon-type fibula (safety pin), Bronze, Italic

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Bronze dragon-type fibula (safety pin), Bronze, Italic
Bronze dragon-type fibula (safety pin), Bronze, Italic

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