Hairpin

Art Historical Context

This delicate copper alloy hairpin, dating from 200–500 AD, exemplifies everyday Roman craftsmanship during the Late Antique period. Measuring just 3 9/16 x 1/4 inches, its slender form was designed for practical yet elegant hair styling, a common accessory for women across the Roman Empire. Crafted from durable copper alloy—a widely used metal for its workability and corrosion resistance—this artifact highlights the technical skill of Roman metalworkers, who cast and possibly hammered such items to achieve both functionality and subtle refinement. In the context of Roman culture, hairpins li...