Silver “SNAKE” Votive Figure
Hellenistic (Greco-Roman)
Circa 1st century AD
Diameter: 33mm – 1.25” – Weight: 9.50 gm
An unusual ancient silver votive figure crafted from a single strip of hammered silver in the form of a coiled snake with carefully incised details of the head and skin. Probably produced during the Hellenistic (Greco-Roman) era, though the design hearkens back to a more classical style.
In fine condition with remnants of toning and surface patina.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans had many representations of snakes in their religious symbology. Rather than being a symbol of evil as in the Judeo-Christian tradition, they were often seen as benign and beneficial. Seen as a symbol of wisdom, healing and eternity, the snake was manifest as an element in the wand of both Hermes and Asclepius, and as companions of both Apollo and Athena.
