Ancient Gilt Silver Snake Bracelet, c.1st Cent AD - 2nd Cent AD

$575.00

Ancient Roman Gilt Silver “SNAKE” Bracelet, 

c. 1st Century BC – 2nd Century AD

An unusual ancient Roman gilt silver bracelet crafted from a single strip of twisted and hammered silver with stylized incised snake heads on each terminus. Though probably produced during the Hellenistic (Greco-Roman) era, the design hearkens back to a more classical style.

Diameter:  60mm - 2 3/8” - Weight: 6.93gm

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans  had many representations of snakes in their religious symbology. Rather than being a symbol of evil as in the Judeo-Christian tradition, they were often seen as benign and beneficial. Seen as a symbol of wisdom, healing and eternity, the snake was manifest as a symbol in the wand of both Hermes and Asclepius, and as companions of both Apollo and Athena.

In fine wearable condition with a pleasing surface patina.

  • Inventory# PA-3350