Earring with head of ibex

Ptolemaic Period
3rd–2nd century BC
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
Hoops formed of wound wire with animal head terminals are the commonest type of Hellenistic earring. The heads on these earrings have been referred to as those of gazelles, but is now thought more likely to be an ibex. Ibex-head earrings are well-known in Egypt, but also Asia Minor and Cyprus.

The gold bead that forms part of the collar behind the animal's head is scarcely rounded, pointing to a 3rd or probably 2nd century date.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Earring with head of ibex
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 3rd–2nd century BC
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: As Worn: H. 1.5 × W. 1.5 cm (9/16 × 9/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of George and Florence Blumenthal, 1935
  • Object Number: 35.6.4
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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