Some Archaic Gold Ornaments with representations of Sphinxes and Sirens

Abstract

1. In a recent description of an archaic Etruscan fibula here reproduced in natural size (Fig. 1), I regret that I failed to note certain interesting details with regard to the Sphinxes. The fibula is of pale gold, of a type peculiar to early Etruscan jewellery. It consists of two parts, each composed of four tubes ending in double female heads. In one case the outer tubes are furnished with long gold pins which fit into the hollow tubes corresponding to them in the other half of the fibula. There can be no doubt that these safety-pins were used for fastening a garment on the shoulder. The two halves were locked together by means of hooks and eyes soldered to rectangular plates hinged to the main body of the fibula. The tubes were also connected together by similar plates. The present fibula, which may be dated to the seventh century B.C., is said to have been found in the Roman Campagna. Upon the four rectangular plates already mentioned are seated sixteen Sphinxes in the round, four upon each plate. The eight Sphinxes on the outer plates are composed of the figure of a seated lion, with the head of a woman substituted for a wing.