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Temple key in the shape of a snake
Greek
Late Archaic Period
About 500-475 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Length: 39.6 cm (15 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number01.7515
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Household
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 638; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 127 (additional published references).
DescriptionKey in the shape of a bearded snake. A rusted hole partially pierces the snake’s body on either side.
Inscribed in retrograde on the handle ΤΑΣ ΑΡΤΑΜΙΤΟΣ ΤΑΣ ΕΝ ΛΟΥϞΟΙΣ.
Even green patina; broken in half between the bends.
Inscribed in retrograde on the handle ΤΑΣ ΑΡΤΑΜΙΤΟΣ ΤΑΣ ΕΝ ΛΟΥϞΟΙΣ.
Even green patina; broken in half between the bends.
ProvenanceSaid to be from the temple of Artemis at Lousoi, Greece [see note 1]. By 1901, sold in Athens by a man living near Sikyon to Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928), London [note 2]; 1901, sold by Edward Perry Warren to the MFA. (Accession date: December 1, 1901)
Notes:
[1] According to the Museum’s records.
{2] According to Edward Perry Warren’s records.
Notes:
[1] According to the Museum’s records.
{2] According to Edward Perry Warren’s records.