Gold earring with glass head pendant

Unknown

3rd–1st century BCE · Gold, glass · Greek and Roman Art

Translucent dark blue, opaque yellow and turquoise. Small rod hole in blue base at bottom; overlay in yellow forming face with pointed chin; applied twisted headband in blue, yellow, and turquoise across forehead; above, applied large suspension ring in blue, projecting forward. Large curl of hair in blue above ears, extending onto back over top of base; eyes as sunken blue rings; long, rounded nose; chubby cheeks; mouth with parted lips; projecting chin. Intact; dulling and slight iridescent weathering. These pendants were used as protective amulets to ward off evil. Similar pendants are frequently represented on Cypriot votive statues and figurines, particularly "temple boys."

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–1st century BCE

Medium

Gold, glass

Culture

Phoenician or Carthaginian

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76