Replica of the Praeneste Fibula

This object is a replica of the Praeneste fibula, which bears one of the earliest Latin inscriptions: “MANIOS MED FHEFHAKED NVMASIOI” (Manius made me for Numerius). The inscription on the original was incised, while on this replica it appears to be part of the casting; the letterforms differ slightly, and the replica does not copy the original inscription exactly. This replica is missing the pin; it is also, like the original, missing one of the cylindrical elements on the bow. The original Praeneste fibula is now in the Museo Preistorico Etnografico Luigi Pigorini, Rome, inv. no. 2819. Although the authenticity of the inscription on that piece has been extensively debated (1), recent technical analysis with a scanning electron microscope has indicated that the inscription is authentic (2). NOTES: 1. See A. E. Gordon, The Inscribed Fibula Praenestina: Problems of Authenticity, University of California Publications: Classical Studies 16 (Berkeley, 1975); D. Ridgway, “Manios Faked?” Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies 24 (1977): 17-30; E. P. Hamp, “Is the Fibula a Fake?” American Journal of Philology 102.2 (1981): 151-53. 2. See D. F. Maras, “Scientists Declare the Fibula Praenestina and Its Inscription to be Genuine ‘Beyond Any Reasonable Doubt,’” Etruscan News 14 (2012). It would be interesting to compare the condition of the surfaces of the original fibula with this replica, which is thought to be gilt. Lisa M. Anderson