Ancient Bronze Ring with Engraved Horned Animal | Circa 1st to 4th Century CE
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Ancient Bronze Ring with Engraved Horned Animal | Circa 1st to 4th Century CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mediterranean or Near East
Material: Bronze
Period: 1st–4th Century CE
Description
This ancient bronze ring features an oval bezel engraved with the image of a horned animal, likely a bull—an enduring symbol of strength, power, and fertility in antiquity. Revered across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, the bull was frequently associated with agricultural prosperity, divine authority, and masculine vitality. The finely incised engraving reflects both the artistic skill and symbolic traditions of ancient jewelers.
Features
• Oval bezel engraved with a horned bull symbolizing strength and fertility
• Finely detailed engraving emphasizing the animal’s presence and power
• Natural green patina developed over centuries of age
• Worn as both adornment and symbolic expression of status and belief
Cultural Significance
In ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, the bull held powerful symbolic meaning and appeared frequently in mythology, ritual practice, and royal imagery. Associated with gods, kings, and fertility cults, the bull embodied vitality, strength, and divine authority. Rings bearing such imagery may have functioned as personal adornment while also serving as protective or symbolic emblems for the wearer.
Condition
Good antique condition with surface wear and abrasions consistent with great age. The rich green patina enhances the artifact’s archaeological character and authenticity.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Ring Size: 6 US
Age (Approximate)
1,625–1,925 years old
Provenance
Formerly part of the BC Galleries Collection, Melbourne, Australia. Established in 1976, BC Galleries was a prominent independent Australian dealer specializing in ancient art and antiquities, tribal art, ethnographica, and historical objects from a broad range of cultures. Subsequently held in a private collection in Armadale, Victoria, Australia.
Learn More
Explore Ancient Bronze Jewelry in the Collection of the The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mediterranean or Near East
Material: Bronze
Period: 1st–4th Century CE
Description
This ancient bronze ring features an oval bezel engraved with the image of a horned animal, likely a bull—an enduring symbol of strength, power, and fertility in antiquity. Revered across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, the bull was frequently associated with agricultural prosperity, divine authority, and masculine vitality. The finely incised engraving reflects both the artistic skill and symbolic traditions of ancient jewelers.
Features
• Oval bezel engraved with a horned bull symbolizing strength and fertility
• Finely detailed engraving emphasizing the animal’s presence and power
• Natural green patina developed over centuries of age
• Worn as both adornment and symbolic expression of status and belief
Cultural Significance
In ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, the bull held powerful symbolic meaning and appeared frequently in mythology, ritual practice, and royal imagery. Associated with gods, kings, and fertility cults, the bull embodied vitality, strength, and divine authority. Rings bearing such imagery may have functioned as personal adornment while also serving as protective or symbolic emblems for the wearer.
Condition
Good antique condition with surface wear and abrasions consistent with great age. The rich green patina enhances the artifact’s archaeological character and authenticity.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Ring Size: 6 US
Age (Approximate)
1,625–1,925 years old
Provenance
Formerly part of the BC Galleries Collection, Melbourne, Australia. Established in 1976, BC Galleries was a prominent independent Australian dealer specializing in ancient art and antiquities, tribal art, ethnographica, and historical objects from a broad range of cultures. Subsequently held in a private collection in Armadale, Victoria, Australia.
Learn More
Explore Ancient Bronze Jewelry in the Collection of the The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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