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© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
Decorative Collar with Busts of Celestial Deities
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Decorative Collar with Busts of Celestial Deities

CultureRoman
PeriodImperial
Date2nd-3rd Century CE
MediumSilver, gilding
Credit LineAnonymous gift
Dimensions1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Object number2003.023.008
Label TextSlightly trapezoidal collar or cuff. Decorated on the exterior with six separately cast busts: three of facing lion heads terminating in acanthus foliage, alternating with three facing busts of celestial deities. First, the moon goddess Luna wearing a chiton and veil over her shoulder, with her hair pulled back and a crescent moon above her brow. Next, a bearded and veiled Saturn. The head of the third bust is missing, but may represent Sol. He wears a chalmys (cloak) fastened at his shoulder. There is a narrow rope border around the top and bottom edge of the collar, and a short chain suspended from the paws of one of the lions.

This may be a decorative attachment for the shaft of a ceremonial scepter or perhaps a military standard. The imagery implies a connection to the cult of Mithras, an eastern religion that quickly spread across the Roman Empire in part due to its popularity with soldiers, attracted by the promise of life after death.

Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, September 2004 - June 24, 2013
MCCM Permanent Collection Gallery, August 19, 2015 - August 2020
MCCM Permanent Collection Gallery, November 23, 2021 - September 18, 2023
ProvenanceEx private collection, New York, acquired from George Allen (1919-1998) [Hesperia Art], Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Status
Not on view
Collections
  • Greek and Roman Art