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Crossbow fibula with dolphin and shell
Roman Provincial
Imperial Period
2nd–3rd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
Height x length about 2 x 5.2 cm (13/16 x 2 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Jonathan H. Kagan
Accession Number1985.751
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Fibulae
DescriptionSilver. Fibula of crossbow shape with a dolphin forming most of the bow, the tail nearest the pin end and the head facing the catch-plate from which it is separated by the rest of the bow and a ridge. Catch-plate formed of folded sheet silver. Scallop shell on pin cylinder under tail of dolphin. Extension of curled dolphin tail pierced by three holes with part of the end broken off.
ProvenanceSaid to come from Yugoslavia. 1985, sold by Stojan Kacarov, Munich, to Jonathan H. Kagan, New York; 1985, gift of Jonathan H. Kagan to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 23, 1985)