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Wreath of olive leaves
Greek
Late Classical or Hellenistic Period
4th century B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Western Turkey (possibly)
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter (of wreath): about 16 cm (of ornament): 9.4 cm
Credit Line
Arthur Tracy Cabot Fund
Accession Number67.88
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
DescriptionGold wreath of olive leaves, in two halves joined by a Herakles knot. The leaves project from the round hollow stem by small stalks; bead-like berries are strung on fine wire which come from the same hole as leaf-stalks. The central vein is impressed on each leaf.
There was a fashion among Macedonian royalty and elite to be buried with gold foil wreaths, probably reflecting the generalized function of the wreath as an honorific.
There was a fashion among Macedonian royalty and elite to be buried with gold foil wreaths, probably reflecting the generalized function of the wreath as an honorific.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Robert E. Hecht, Jr. (said to be from western Asia Minor, perhaps near Miletus); February 8, 1967: purchased by MFA from Robert E. Hecht, Jr.