Earrings

Gold earrings from Cyprus, made of double twisted wire ending in bull's heads (mould-made). The heads were embellished with tiny inlaid eyes. Under the muzzle, there is a small hook for inserting the thin lower end of the earring. Between the heads and the wire, there are carnelian beads set in collars with tongue-shaped patterns. This pair of earrings examplifies the ability of Hellenistic gold-smiths to combine several different techniques and traditions. Stylistically, the bull heads have apparent oriental traits and seem to have been influenced by the Achaemenid art.