This outstanding example displays the representation of the goddess Victoria: according to Ancient Roman mythology and religion, the goddess Victoria, whose counterpart is Nike in Ancient Greek mythology, was the personified goddess of victory. The high number of artistic and architectural dedications to her bear witness to the popularity of the goddess’ cult: Victoria widely appears on Roman coins, jewellery, architecture, and other works of art. Roman pins were probably used to facilitate the elaborate female hairstyles of the period. The hair would have to be twisted and coiled, to prevent the smooth pin from falling out. Examples of hair pins have been found in a wide array of materials, such as bone, bronze, glass, and stone. Most were decorative in design, occasionally boasting ornate figurative heads in the shape of animals, plants, or people.
Roman Silver Hair Pin with Victoria
£ 1,650.00
An exceptional Ancient Roman silver hairpin, featuring the depiction of the goddess Victoria. The shaft is decorated in the upper part with a geometrical composition, tapering to a point for an easy insertion in the hair. The winged goddess is portrayed standing on a globe and holding a wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in the left hand, both symbols of victory. Delicate detailing is given to her gown, a peplos, as well as to her facial features. This item possibly belonged to a high ranked woman, who would have employed such pin to groom her hair in one of the intricate roman hairstyles which needed aid for support. Weight: 24.1 g.
Condition: Very fine, the metal is in excellent condition. The shaft of the pin has been professionally repaired.
| Dimensions | L 15.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Metal | Silver |
| Region | Southern Europe |
| Roman Mythology | Victoria |
