Western Asia, ca. 8th to 7th century BCE. A fabulous pair of matching high quality silver (95% silver) bracelets with ram head terminals - the bangles of a tubular form, the rams heads presenting remarkably naturalistic visages with skillfully modeled and engraved detailing of their curled horns, somber expressions, and furry coats. These bracelets were recently exhibited in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (see below). Curator Sarah E. Cox presented them in the "Dressed to Impress" section of this exhibition. According to Dr. Cox, "All classes of women in the ancient world wore jewelry, which was considered both as adornment and as visible evidence of wealth. Many of the surviving pieces, particularly earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, were preserved because they were buried with the deceased. Others were accidentally lost in baths or toilets, or due to the vicissitudes of nature and war." Size: 2.75" in diameter (7 cm); weight: 165.3 grams; silver quality: 95%
Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 42, p. 3 & 11).
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 42, p. 3 & 11); ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s
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#146260
Condition
Expected surface wear with some abraded areas on the bangles commensurate with age, but the overall forms and ram terminals are very well preserved. The silver has developed a very attractive age patina throughout.