Clothing pin

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Image Not Available for Clothing pin
Clothing pin
Image Not Available for Clothing pin
Datebefore 6th century C.E.
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall (length): 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Edward S. Burgess, Class of 1879, H1904
Object number1929.132
Not on view
Description"In the ancient Mediterranean, a long bronze pin like this one would have had a variety of uses, both decorative and practical, in regards to hair and dress. While long pins might have been used to style hair in the Roman Empire between the first century B.C.E. to the fourth century C.E., this object was more likely used to fasten a cloak, given the decorative floral charm on its end. This type of cloak pin was eventually replaced by the fibula, a more technologically advanced type of pin akin to a modern safety pin, though generally much more ornate, and could similarly be used to fasten cloaks, togas, and other garments." -written by Christina Naston, Class of 2020.

Additional Details

Provenance 1929: Hamilton College (James Library), by bequest of Edward S. Burgess.
Markings No markings noted.
Signature Not signed.
Inscribed No inscriptions noted.
Image courtesy of the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art at Hamilton College, Clinton, NY. Pho…
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Beads
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Medium: Gold or tumbaga (gold and copper alloy)
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Object number: 1929.131