Finger Ring with Snake Terminal

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Artist
Name	Unknown
Basic Info
Period	Roman period
Created in	Ancient & Byzantine World
Century	1st century BCE-3rd century CE
Culture	Roman
Dimensions	2.3 x 1.7 cm (7/8 x 11/16 in.)
Harvard Museum
Department	Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics
Division	Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact	am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Context

This finger ring is formed by three coils of a snake and its head (1). The scales on the body of the snake are indicated by a pattern incised on the exterior and sides. The head of the snake points out, with the eyes, nose, and mouth indicated. There is also a slight raised ridge between the eyes. The body of the snake tapers toward the tail. There is a discolored band where the neck and body join.
 
NOTES:
 
1. For a discussion of the typology of snake rings and bracelets, see C. Johns, The Jewellery of Roman Britain (London, 1996) 44-47. See ibid., 37-38, on the early history of snake ornamentation.
 
Lisa M. Anderson

TechnicalDetails

Technical Observations

The patina is green and has a relatively rough texture. Corrosion has left the surface rough and difficult to read.
 
The ring was probably cast from a directly formed wax model. The coiled shape may have been created by working after casting. The lines along the snake’s back were hammered using an elongated point. The snake’s face appears to have been cast and does not seem to have been cold worked. 
 
Henry Lie (submitted 2012)

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University