Loading

Pair of wrist bracelets in the form of coiled snakes (back clasp, closed)

Unknown-0225/-0175

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

The object in detail is the closed back clasp of a pair of wrist bracelets in the form of coiled snakes.

The similarity of design and construction of these two bracelets to the armlets (see 92.AM.8.6.1 and 92.AM.8.6.2) identifies the four pieces as having been conceived to be worn together. This pair is intended to be worn at the wrist (they are of narrower dimension than the armlets) and are formed of two snakes. The uppermost coil forms the back end of the snake and the second coil represents the forepart. The snakes are depicted as coiled to strike, conferring great energy to the design of the bracelets. The pin-and-hinge construction is the same as used on the armlets: closure was effected by aligning attached loops and passing a pin through them, the final result imitating a length of bead-and-spool wire in order to disguise its function.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Pair of wrist bracelets in the form of coiled snakes (back clasp, closed)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: -0225/-0175
  • Location Created: Alexandria, Egypt
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website
  • Medium: Bracelets: Gold; Fastening pin: Copper alloy
  • Object Type: Bracelet
  • Culture: Greek, Ptolemaic
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Accession Number: 92.AM.8.7.1
The J. Paul Getty Museum

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites