Lion Protome Bracelet

This lion protome bracelet is a reproduction in 18K gold-plated 925 silver based on the original artefact, catalogue no. 6434 AB of the Superintendency of Taranto. It is inspired by earrings from Santa Maria Capua Vetere, inventory nos. 24870 and 24871, dating from the second half of the 4th to the early 3rd century BC.

The bracelet is made of leather and features a hook closure, making it comfortable and easy to wear.

Features

• Material: Leather, 925 Silver plated with 18K Gold, emerald green enamel
• Weight: about 11.3 g
• Length: 7.48 in (19 cm)
• Cord thickness: 0.20 in (0.5 cm)
• Cord colour: Black, Brown
• Made in Italy

Historical Curiosities

For the ancient Romans, a protome was an artistic representation of the front part of an animal, or sometimes a person. Lions, bulls and rams often appeared in ornaments and jewellery. Jewellery was often made of gold to display membership of the highest social classes. Animal motifs could be regarded as amulets or symbols. The lion on this bracelet symbolises vital strength, courage, pride and royalty.

Bibliography:
"Splendori. Il lusso negli ornamenti a Ercolano", edited by Francesco Sirano.
"La bellezza femminile a Pompei. Cosmesi ed ornamenti", edited by Antonio D’Ambrosio.
"Le collezioni del Museo Nazionale di Napoli", edited by Archivio Fotografico Pedicini.