The earrings are composed of twisted wire hoops, one end terminating in the head of a wild goat (ibex) with a sun-wheel motif on its forehead, the neck decorated with filigree. The other end tapering to a point which hooks through a small loop located underneath the goat’s chin. The hollow eyes once held inlays (perhaps garnet, enamel or silver), one clasp loop on the chin of the animal lost, otherwise complete and in good condition. Modern gold hooks.
Depictions of women wearing similar earrings on terracotta figurines and bronze mirrors indicate that these earrings were typically worn with the head at the front but upside-down. They were worn as everyday adornment by the elites of society, and animal head terminals of goats, bulls, and lions were the most common motifs.
Provenance
Coins and Antiquities Ltd, Maddox Street, London, UK; undated catalogue (1975-1978), AN 819
Private collection, Europe; acquired from the above
