Material
|
Silvered Bronze |
Dimensions |
6.8cm long x 3.3cm wide 0.1cm thick with an
attachment pin 0.8cm long. |
Roman Empire |
2nd to 4th Century AD |
Description |
|
An interesting silvered piece of bronze with two dolphins opposing each
other.
The symmetric dolphins or serpents are finely engraved into the bronze,
while a the center of the piece has detailed designs which appear to once
have been darkly enameled. The left side has been repaired, and
appeared to have been folded over during ancient times.
The curved or crescent shaped bottom portion has numerous triangles in a
line following the curve. These also appear to have been enameled at
one time.
The reverse is covered in a thick patina, while the center mounting pin
clearly shows that it had been hammered flat at the top.
In terms of identifying the piece it is very difficult, as I have been
unable to find any parallel pieces. The style of the dolphins is
typical however of 3rd Century military motives and appears in various
locations including civilian settlements
(see mosaics below).
The length of the mounting pin or rivet makes me believe that it was
attached to something wooden or organic. It is too long to be for a
piece of leather or other metal (such as a helmet). However it could
very well have adorned a beautifully decorated chest or other wooden
piece.

From a Roman Palace in England.

From a 5th Century Mosaic.
Click on
Pictures for higher resolution

Reverse View |

Mount View |
|