Fig. 148.—Italian Fibula (No. 361). 1:2.
Some from Cyprus are quite distinct, and seem to have no connection with the others (No. 360; fig. 147). In the classical period the fibula was little used in Greece, in consequence of modifications in dress which rendered such fastenings unnecessary.
In Italy, on the other hand, the fibula flourished exceedingly. The plain wire original, such as that given above (fig. 143) was soon elaborated. In the catch-plate it developed either horizontally, that is, by a beating out of the plate in a plane at right angles to that of the bow (No. 361; fig. 148) or longitudinally, by the elongation of the catch-plate as in Nos. 362-3 (figs. 149-150). At the same time developments were taking place in the bow. It became larger (fig. 149), and then was hollowed out to save weight and material (fig. 150), and assumed forms known as leech-shaped and boat-shaped—and these threw out lateral knobs and ornaments (fig. 150), often of great elaboration. Alternatively, the bow makes a second convolution (fig. 148), and may be adorned with horn-like pairs of projections (No. 364).
Fig. 149.—Italian Fibula of Leech Shape (No. 362). 1:2.
Fig. 150.—Italian Fibula (No. 363). 1:2.
An independent form is chiefly found at Hallstatt, in cemeteries of the early European Iron Age. In this, two, or perhaps four, spiral coils make the whole decoration of the brooch (No. 365, fig. 151).
