SIGNET RING INSERT
Roman Culture
SIGNET RING INSERT
Carnelian.
Length: 1.3 cm. Width: 1.1 cm. Thickness: 0.25 cm.
Roman period. 2nd-1st century B.C.
Origin
Gibalbín. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
Oval shape. Flat upper face and convex lower face. Carved Eros-Cupid in profile breaking Zeus' lightning bolt with his right leg. It is thought to be Italic-Republican in style due to the engraving technique, with cylindrical and even markings, and small ball detail. The use of such carvings on rings was very common, and differentiated free men from slaves in Roman society. They were also used as amulets, stamps or to decorate various objects.
Bibliography
- López de la Orden, Mª D. (1990): La glíptica de la Antigüedad en Andalucía. Universidad de Cádiz, p. 145.
