Roman Bronze Plate Brooch with Animal Heads

Decorated with a high-relief pattern comprising sphinxes, dolphins and masks of Medusa in fields between columns; ropework and floral border strips with laurel leaves. 6.4 kg, 41 cm wide



From a West Sussex, UK, collection, 1990s.

There were many ways of burying bodies during the Roman Empire. Although the majority were buried without coffins, there is evidence for wooden coffins, lead-framed wooden coffins, tile burials and lead and stone coffins. This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Very often these sarcophagi were connected by a pipe to the ground above so that mourners could pour in offerings into the grave.

Depicted in a leaping pose with the beast's foreleg extended and the head turned slightly right with open jaws; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 53.6 grams total, 47 mm including stand



Found near Newark/Lincoln, Nottinghamshire, UK. Acquired from Ancient & Oriental, Nottingham, UK, 2002. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

With a narrow hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel with a large eagle standing on a pedestal and facing back, a military stand to each side. 4.00 grams, 20.33 mm overall, 17.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



From the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000.