Ca. 100-300 AD. Roman. A rare ancient Roman trumpet-type fibula decorated with a duck head motif; preserved pin. Excellent condition. Fibulae were brooches used in Greek and Roman dress for fastening garments. Greek fibulae from the 7th century BC were elaborately decorated along the long catch plate: rows of animals, such as ducks, lions, and sphinxes, might be soldered on, or a frieze of animals might be worked in relief. The Etruscans were also fond of fibulae, some of which were very large and decorated with elaborate granulation and processions of animals done in relief. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. By the Middle Ages, the Roman safety-pin type of fibula had fallen into disuse. To find out more about Roman brooches, see Mackreth, D. (1973). Roman brooches/ Donald Mackreth; with drawings by the author. Salisbury: Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. Size: L:27mm / W:53mm ; 18g. Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK / International art markets.