Monumental Brooch of the “Posamenterie” Type

Culture: Middle Europe

Period: Urnfield period, 11th-10th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 38.5 cm long; 49 cm long (including needle)

Price: Sold

Ref: 5134

Provenance: Collection Blaas Vienna, Austria, prior to 1985. Acquired 1985 on the Viennese art market from Dr. S., Graz, Austria. Since then in a family estate.

Condition: Intact

Description: Spectacular and extraordinarily large brooch of the "Posamenterie" type with eight small and one large end spiral, as well as a protruding needle. The large end spiral, the loop as well as the needle are made of a thick bronze wire, which have varying sections. While the wire in the outer coils of the spiral are at first angular, it evolves in the inside of the spiral to a round bronze wire. In the loop it also has a round section. From the small spirals the two outer ones, as well as the two inner ones each form a pair of double spirals made of an angular bronze wire. The elements are connected with three massive claps. The very concise Posamenterie technique seems to have been used in the region of present Slovakia. The brooches were an important part of the festive costume. This specimen is probably one of the largest known to date. Mounted.