Bronze Fibula: Bull Brooch
Ancient Roman, Circa 2nd Century AD
A very fine ancient bronze zoomorphic bull brooch from the Roman Imperial period. It depicts a standing bull, sculpted in an almost three-dimensional form, with the head turned and facing outward. The tail is formed into a loop that may have held a chain connector. The surface shows a nice dark green patina, and remarkably the hinged pin and catchplate are fully intact.
An uncommon fibula which does not appear in Mills, “Celtic & Roman Artefacts” or Hattatt, “Ancient Brooches.”
The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. In the severe climate of northern Europe, it routinely functioned as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The safety-pin type of fibula continued to be used up into the Middle Ages.
(28 x 38 mm – 1 1/2 x 1 1/8”)
Weight: 22.45 gm
