Gold pendant with the head of Medusa
Gold pendant with a head of Medusa worked in repoussé. Her hair is wild, she has wings emerging from her temples (symbolizing Pegasus, who will emerge from her headless body), and two snakes entwined around her neck.
The image of Medusa was apotropaic - protecting whomever wore it from the evil eye.
Roman, 2nd century CE.
Diameter: 5.08 cm (2 in.)
British Museum, London (1958,0722.9)
Gold pendant with the head of Medusa
Gold pendant with a head of Medusa worked in repoussé. Her hair is wild, she has wings emerging from her temples (symbolizing Pegasus, who will emerge from her headless body), and two snakes entwined around her neck.
The image of Medusa was apotropaic - protecting whomever wore it from the evil eye.
Roman, 2nd century CE.
Diameter: 5.08 cm (2 in.)
British Museum, London (1958,0722.9)