THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN 
A ROMANO-EGYPTIAN SOLID GOLD SNAKE BRACELET

Details
A ROMANO-EGYPTIAN SOLID GOLD SNAKE BRACELET
1ST CENTURY A.D.
The coiled snake with naturalistically modelled head with chased cross-hatching indicating scales, terminating in an undulating tail
3 in. (7.5 cm.) across max.
Weight: 146.4 grams

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.

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