Earring

Earring

Gold

This earring has a hoop made from smooth rolled sheet gold. Its middle section is c.2.5mm wide, hollow and crescent- or boat-shaped, round on the upper surface and flatter underneath. Towards the terminals the hoop tapers, ending as thin gold wire on each side. The hoop is damaged towards the end of the thicker section on one side and the wire sections are wavy and bent out of shape with the terminals slightly overlapping. The earring has a pendant decoration in the form of a large three-sided pyramid with a smooth, flat equilateral triangular base that is attached to the top of the hoop. The sides of the pyramid are covered with small gold balls or grains that are all approximately the same size. A slightly larger ball is placed at the summit and above it is another ball, slightly larger again. The pyramidal pendant is in very good condition. It is slightly darker in colour than the bright yellow-gold hoop in part because the interstices of the granulation are dark. The pyramid shape decorated with gold granulation is a common decorative motif in the Hellenistic period and continued into Roman times. Function: A piece of jewellery, one of a matching pair worn on pierced ears, that was not only decorative but also demonstrated the wealth and status of its female owner. It may have been buried with her or it may have been a votive piece, an offering in a temple or sanctuary.

Roman, from Egypt

Purchased from Christie, Manson & Woods Ltd, London, 1982

300 - 400

83.015

Purchased from Christie, Manson & Woods Ltd, London, 1982.