Snake shaped Armilla (Bracelet) from Herculaneum in Sterling Silver 18 K gold plated

Snake shaped Armilla (Bracelet) from Herculaneum, replica in Sterling Silver 18K gold plated of the bracelet Inv.E 3061-3062, Herculaneum, the ancient marina, Archeological Museum, Naples.

The surprising excavation campaigns on the ancient beach of Herculaneum (1980-1999) helped to discover a large amount of jewelry belonging to the ancient citizents. Some of them were found together with their owners died while escaping from the city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius.

Gold jewelry, including necklaces, earrings of various shapes enriched with pearls and splendid armilles reflect the social status of the middle class citizens. The same type of jewelry was found in the house of Venus in bikini, Pompei. 

Jewelry with snake bodies was widespread in the Hellenistic world as simbol of fertility and sexuality. Serpent shaped Armilla shows the high quality of the craftsmanship in Roman times.

• Material: 18K Gold-plated 925 silver
• Weight: about 0,09 lb (41.1 g)
• Size: 2,9 x 2,9 inch (7.5 x 7.5 cm)

Produced in Italy

Bibliography: 
"Splendors. The luxury of ornaments in Herculaneum", edited by Francesco Sirano.
"Female beauty in Pompeii. Cosmetics and ornaments", edited by Antonio D'Ambrosio.