918 - Two anatomically shaped greaves with dotted-and-knobbed decoration, from southern Italy, 5th–4th centuries B.C.

Two anatomically shaped greaves with dotted-and-knobbed decoration, from southern Italy, 5th–4th centuries B.C. A pair of matching greaves with a distinct ridge running along the shin, which completely encloses the calf muscles when worn and curves in a high arc over the knees at the front. Two perforations are present on the lower back and at the transition from the upper to the middle third on both edges. The entire edge of the greaves is decorated with two rows of knobs or dot-like indentations: larger ones (approx. 3 mm in diameter) on the outside and smaller ones (approx. 1 mm in diameter) on the inside, immediately in front of them. On the inner sides, the calf muscles are modeled with a protruding curve, additionally featuring an edge at the bottom. Between the calf and the shin, two additional crescent-shaped bands of dot-and-knob decoration are inserted, whose “crescent blades” encircle the calf muscles in an arc. The decorative bands are bordered on the left and right by dot-punched lines, with a row of small bosses in the center. On the opposite side are three vertically running decorative bands of the same design, running parallel at short intervals. The kneecap and the surrounding area are outlined by three raised relief features. The edge of the kneecap is additionally outlined by dot-punching. The greaves are fully preserved and have been stabilized on the back, from the inside, with plastic-impregnated gauze. The surface has a green oxide layer, with scattered azure-blue spots. Lengths: 41.7 cm and 42 cm. An exceptionally interesting specimen that combines anatomically shaped greaves with the conservative and now virtually obsolete dot-and-bump ornamentation of the early Iron Age indigenous population. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: From the Axel Guttmann Collection, acquired in the 1980s and 1990s on the German art market. Condition: II