Byzantine Period Bronze Decorated Archer's Ring

Of repoussé form, slightly convex in profile with two concentric bands of pierced ornament and two attachment holes at edge. 36 grams, 95 mm



Ex English collection, pre-2000. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity.

Comprising a hoop with reserved triangular ornament on the edges and triangular plaque with foliage motifs, raised central panel with frond motif. 22.61 grams, 34.77 mm overall, 25.16 mm internal diameter



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

Archer rings in Late Byzantium and the medieval Balkans were connected with the employment of the powerful composite bow, but very often, in the 14th century they served as insignia of rank for aristocratic noblemen. Archaeological findings of archers’ rings originate mainly from fortified towns, including mining centres. Many were made in bone, simple in design and undecorated. In contrast, the ones made in bronze and silver were usually decorated in rather uniform style, consisting of floral motifs on the head, mostly tulip and foliage, and linear motifs around the edges. This decoration combined Turkish, Central European and Eastern Roman traditional patterns.

The cylindrical socket with collared base and upper face of zoomorphic form, possibly representing a gaping snake's mouth; wedge-shaped axehead with convex cutting edge. 271 grams, 14 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.