CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.

Both Gorgoneion cameos in this spectacular pair of gold bracelets depict the monster frontally with a slight incline to her right. A pair of wings sprout at their foreheads, and their faces are framed by serpentine locks. Each is set within a circular box, secured by a saw-tooth bezel, and enclosed by a band of convex curving rays bordered by beaded wire. The box is joined to the spiral-fluted hollow hoop by means of hinged loops.

A mask of Medusa, the Gorgoneion, usually of two-layered onyx, as here, but occasionally monochromatic in white agate or carnelian, was the most popular subject for cameos curing the Roman Imperial period. A ring, brooch or bracelet set with a Gorgoneion was apotropaic, providing the wearer with the power to deflect the Evil Eye. For a discussion of the type see pp. 183-192 in M. Henig and H. Molesworth, The Complete Content Cameos.