Greece, Geometric Period, ca. 9th to early 8th century BCE. An incredible, heavy bronze bracelet, in the form of a curved cuff whose ends wrap around and rest atop one another. The areas near the terminals are incised with X's and linear motifs that are stippled to look like ropes. The thick body of the bracelet bulges outward at the center and edges, with a raised rib on the exterior, while the interior is a smooth, concave surface. The terminals broaden and then abruptly flatten, so that they appear like human feet wearing sandals at the end of long legs. Size: 3.6" W x 3.05" H (9.1 cm x 7.7 cm)
We look to the Geometric period (ca. 900 to 700 BCE) for the roots of Classical Greek civilization as well as the mythos that much of Western culture is built upon. This was when Homer composed the Iliad and the Odyssey, and when graves full of rich and rare metal objects alongside the monumental kraters that served as grave markers told the story of warriors riding into battle in chariots for heroic (or sometimes villainous) rulers. This stunning bracelet would have been a massive sign of wealth, placed into a grave to honor the elite dead and remind others of his or her status in life. Fascinatingly, in the late 8th century BCE, the Greeks stopped filling their graves with beautiful personal objects like this one, and deposited small bronze votive figurines instead.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#148385
Condition
Intact, with a gorgeous mottled forest green and deep turquoise patina. Light pitting on surface from age and the casting process.