Greek Hair Pin with Floral Head

4th-3rd century BC. A silver dress pin with ribbed corrugation to the upper end of the shank, large finial formed as a peony. Cf. Yavtushenko, I. (ed.), Masterpieces of Platar, Kiev, 2004, fig.74, for the type. 64 grams, 11.3cm (4 1/2"). From an important North West London collection; acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. This ancient pin was probably used by its owner as a hairpin. Beautifully decorated pins, with elaborate ornamentation, were in use in the Hellenistic world from the 4th century BC onward, often produced by South Italic workshops (Yavtushenko, 2004, pp.62-63"). Since Greek clothing was not sewn, straight pins and fibulae served to fasten a garment at the shoulders, the sleeves, over the chest, and at other critical points. Interestingly, such pins were not only used as dress or hair accessories. Herodotos (V,87ff.) tells us the story of the defeat and destruction of the Athenians – all save one man – at Aegina. The poor soldier, upon his return to Athens, was set upon and slain by the indignant wives of his unfortunate companions, who stabbed him to death with the pins of their garments. Certainly this history is plausible, for the stick-pin could have been a most deadly weapon when used as a dagger.
Condition Report: Very fine condition.