Dress Pin
600-500 B.C.
Medium
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Classification
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.187.2A
Art Historical Context
Step back in time over 2,500 years to behold this elegant Dress Pin, crafted around 600-500 B.C. by an unidentified artisan. Dating to the Archaic period, such pins—known as fibulae in ancient cultures—served both practical and ornamental purposes, fastening garments like cloaks or peplos while showcasing the wearer's status through intricate designs. This piece exemplifies early decorative arts in jewelry, metalworking techniques transformed everyday objects into symbols of sophistication. Jewelry from this era highlights the technological prowess of ancient smiths, who likely employed metho...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –