Fibula

Fibula with Orientalizing lions, from the Regolini-Galassi Tomb, Cervteri, circa 650-640 B.C. Gold. Vatican Museums, Rome.

A decorative pin, usually used to fasten garments. This unique shaped ornament was used to fasten a woman's gown at the shoulder. The giant clasp or safety pin is in the Italic tradition, but the lions, both in relief and in the round are borrowed from the Orient. There is hammered relief or repousse' and granulation. (Gardner)