Silver “SNAKE” Bracelet, Ancient Greece - Thrace, c. 3rd Century BC
An unusual and intricate ancient Thracian silver bracelet crafted from two strips of hammered silver with the ends wrapped to join them. The terminals and both faces are in the form of snakes.
Though probably produced during the Hellenistic (Greco-Roman) era, the design hearkens back to a more archaic style.
In fine wearable condition with an attractive, lightly toned surface.
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 a symbol in the wand of both Hermes and Asclepius, and as companions of both Apollo and Athena.
Cuff Diameter: 68mm - 2 5/8”
Face Height: 45mm – 1 3/4”
Weight: 50.5gm
