FIBULA. - The Latin term "f." (in Greek περόνη, πάρτη, δαντή) denotes both the safety pin and the belt clasp or buckle. With this term archaeologists generally refer to the safety pin, which, because of the extraordinary frequency of its discoveries and the great variety of types, represents a valuable element for chronological classification in the study of ancient civilization, especially of the Western world.

As regards Christian archaeology, fibulae often offer religious symbols that adorn them. However, many emblems supposed to be Christian are not to be considered as such. Characteristic of the East is the crossbow buckle, often adorned with inscriptions (e.g., Θεοῦ γάρῳ). Noteworthy are the precious barbarian clasps in the shape of an eagle. A typical figuration of Burgundian fibulae is the one representing Daniel among the lions. In an example from La Balme there is the figuration of Daniel and Habakkuk. A round fibula plated in gold, found at Oron, bears the figure of a horseman, in whom one wishes to recognize King Solomon or St. George.

Bibliography4 works

BIBL.: S. Reinach, Fibule, in Ch. V. Dammberg-E. Saglio, Dictionnaire des antiquités gr. et vms., II, pp. 2001-2002; H. Leclercq, Fibule, in DACL, IV, coll. 1478-1586; id., Marchéspot, ibid., X, II, coll. 1811-12, fig. 76; M. Besson, L'art barbare, Lausanne 1909, passim.

Luigi Maria Catteruccia

(from F. Walbach, Art bizantin, Paris s.c., loc. 3(b))
FIBULA - Gold and enamel fibula. Byzantine art (4th century) - Budapest, National Museum.

@incollection{ec5_fibula, author = {Catteruccia, Luigi Maria}, title = {Fibula}, booktitle = {Enciclopedia Cattolica}, volume = {V}, pages = {1235}, note = {Cited by column}, publisher = {Ente per l’Enciclopedia Cattolica e per il Libro Cattolico}, address = {Città del Vaticano}, year = {1950}, url = {https://azioneromana.com/article/fibula} }

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