Gold ornaments

Minoan

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151

Gold ornament grooved, with part of spiral.

Minoan goldsmiths used sophisticated techniques to create elaborate jewelry, headdresses, and ornaments for hair and clothing, often in the form of naturalistic motifs such as plants, flowers, and marine life. The objects in the collection represent different gold-working methods. Many of the ornaments were cut from gold hammered into thin sheets, some decorated with patterns raised in relief from the back. Gold was also melted and poured into molds. Imported primarily from Egypt, gold was extremely rare. Only the very wealthy could afford such adornments.

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