Two bronze chain mail or lorica hamata hooks in the shape of a serpent/snake. Two that make a pair(unmatching) that would have been joined with a hinge in the center. This piece has a snake head with two eyes visible. A small fracture is present near the head of the more corroded example.  The Second example has an intricate dot and line pattern on the surface for decoration.  This second example also has a head that appears to have horns, eyes and a snout. These hooks were designed to decoratively and functionally hold the shoulder pieces of chain mail together across the chest on the early legionary. There were a variety of styles, with many being of the serpent/snake.

As lorica segmentata came into mainstream use chain mail or lorica hamata began to be phased out. It was expensive to make and had some distinct disadvantages for protection over the new plate armor. (1)(2)(3)

-painting by John Warry

**in April of 2006 this item was properly conserved and repaired by a professional**

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Click here for the conservation report

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