Lot Essay
Cf. J. Ogden, Ancient Jewellery, The British Museum, 1992, pp. 8-9, pl. 1 for a similar armlet which was calculated to have cost at least three years' pay for an agricultural foreman at the time. This bracelet would have been worn on the left arm with the head of the snake uppermost and facing inwards. The snake bracelet provided protection, good health and fertility to its wearer.