93

Fibula

Origin

Castro de Alvarelhos, Alvarelhos, Trofa.

Material

Bronze. Optical microscopy observation – tin bronze (14% Sn) with 2% Pb. Minor elements include Sb 0.5%, Ag 0.2% and Ni 0.14%. Biphasic microstructure, with visible primary solidification dendrites.

Description

Fibula with plano-convex bow. Foot of quadrangular outline with progressive thickening, terminating in a wide disc with collar. The hinge and pin are missing. Catch plate perpendicular to the bow with curved support. Spring and needle not preserved.

Sabroso-type fibulae take their name from the eponymous site where approximately ten examples were identified (FORTES 1905/08, 18, fig. 19). They are considered an indigenous production of post-Hallstatt influence, introduced into the castro culture from the 5th century BC. Their period of greatest circulation appears to extend from the mid-1st century BC to the mid-1st century AD (SILVA 1986, 189).

Although widely distributed across the Iberian Peninsula, this fibula type shows a high concentration within the castro region, being recorded in more than a dozen castros (PONTE 1980, 116-117, fig. 2; SILVA 1986, 188, graph 5; est. CI, no. 3-14), which has led some authors to interpret such distribution as evidence for the existence of a production centre. Armando Coelho suggests the Citânia de Briteiros, Guimarães, as a potential production site, based on the presence of an example in an intermediate stage of manufacture and the predominance of this type at the site (SILVA 1986, 188-189).

Classification and chronology

Sabroso A Type / Castro de Alvarelhos - Phase III

Dimensions

Maximum diameter of disc: 23 mm; Maximum length of foot: 30 mm; Maximum length of catch plate: 23 mm; Thickness of bow: 1 mm; Weight: 21,9 gr.

Deposit

MMAP [ALV. 93 A, op. 225]

Bibli.

MOREIRA 2007, 103; 2010, 975, est. CCXI, n.º 41.