Gold earring with a glass pendant in the shape of a Black African’s head

Unknown

late 2nd–1st century BCE · Gold, glass · Greek and Roman Art

Pendant: Deep cobalt blue or purple, appearing black. Head of a youth with tight curled hair, prominent forehead, deep-set eyes, pointed nose, full cheeks, parted lips, jutting chin, and long neck; elongated suspension loop projecting from top of head, pierced through sideways. Molded in a two-part mold with continuous seam running down sides of head and under neck. Head complete but chipped on proper left side of head and neck; some pitting, but iridescent weathering covering most of head.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 2nd–1st century BCE

Medium

Gold, glass

Culture

Greek, Eastern Mediterranean

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76