As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth and hierarchical status. In Ancient Greek culture jewellery was worn in everyday life but was also buried with the deceased as part of his or her funerary outfit. Jewellery might have been enriched by precious and semi-precious stones and decorative motives would have included popular myths, gods, goddesses, and heroes.
Lions were a popular motif in ancient jewellery. During the Hellenistic period there was an insurgance in popularity, largely linked to Alexander the Great and his personal connection to Herakles. The lion, as a conquered foe, was an extension of this connection to the mythical hero. The popularity extended into women’s jewellery also as social dynamics changed within the 4th century. Masculine power and the authority of the ruling classes was utilised and adapted for women also. Lion jewellery was especially popular from 325 – 275 BC. This specific time frame connects significantly with Alexander the Great and his ascension into Asia, when it was now possible for the ruling elite to emanate the famous demi-god. Women’s jewellery before this period tended to be more floral and feminine in nature. Lion-headed hoops such as this one became one of the most favoured earring style and its use spread throughout the Mediterranean. Later styles used other animals as terminals; such as antelopes, dolphins and gazelles.
To discover more about jewellery in the Ancient World, please visit our relevant post: Jewellery in Antiquity.
