Roman Bronze Ram Statuette

Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surfaces decorated with engraved lines and dots. 73 grams total, 63-66 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.

Comprising a bowl with incised geometric decoration; knife with single-edged iron blade and decoratively incised pommel; and a pin with tapering round-section body, shallow conical finial and decoratively incised head. 106 grams total, 4.8-13.5 cm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, with curled horns and standing on a rectangular base. 9.4 grams, 22 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.