Gold rosette with the head of a griffin

Unknown

ca. 630–620 BCE · Gold · Greek and Roman Art

This is one of a half-dozen ornaments of special shapes still in existence; four belong to a group found on the island of Melos. All bear a combination of figural heads and rosettes embellished with granulation and filigree. Their purpose is unclear. They may have been sewn to a cloth or leather backing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 630–620 BCE

Medium

Gold

Culture

Greek, Rhodian ?

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912