Iberian brooch, 3rd–2nd centuries B.C.

Iberian fibula, 3rd–2nd century B.C.
Bronze, with coral inlay.
Measurements: 5.2 cm long.
Provenance: Family bequest from Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Archaeological collection assembled beginning in the 1950s by successive generations of the family through acquisitions at European galleries and auction houses. This piece previously belonged to the private A.S. Barcelona collection, formed in the 1980s.
Measurements: 5.2 cm long.

The Iberian fibula is unique to the Iberian Peninsula and is characteristic of Iberian art. It is distinguished by a hoop or ring onto which the aforementioned metal arch is mounted, forming a single piece with it. Among the Greek, Phoenician, Celtic, Etruscan, and Roman fibulae found in museums, there is a wide variety of shapes and decorations, which attests to the great importance the ancients placed on this accessory as part of their attire.