Earrings
Women in antiquity pierced their ears,and a variety of earrings made of gold,silver and other precious alloys of non-ferrous metals,decorated with precious stones,were in fashion. Expensive jewelry was extremely popular with Greek and Roman wealthy women. The names of earrings that have come down to us often come from the Greek language,for different types there was a different term: Auris-simple earring Stalagmium-an earring with a pendant Crotalia-pearl pendant earrings Elenchus-earrings with pear-shaped pearl pendants Tribac(c) a (tribacia) - an earring with a three-pearl pendant Faba-bean-shaped beads,earrings
Portrait of a woman in earrings. Mosaic from Pompeii. Naples,National Archaeological Museum,Inv. no. 124666. Second half of the 1st century AD
Fresco from Kubikula,Villa Farnesina. Rome,National Roman Museum. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
A woman in earrings. Fresco from Pompeii. Naples,National Archaeological Museum. Inv. no. 9084. 55-79 ADArchaeological finds that have come down to our days,found a great many. Due to the high cost and,as a result,careful attitude,as well as the fact that they were made of non-ferrous metals,many antique copies have come down to us in excellent condition.
Roman earrings. British Museum,London. 1-2 century AD
Gold earring with ball and pendant. Rome. Dimensions: 1.2 x 0.4 x 2.3 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art,New York. No. 74.51.3767. 2nd century ADJewelry Form
The stalagmium or stalacmium is a pendant element, most often connected with earrings and drop-shaped jewelry. Such parts could be made of metal, glass, stone, or pearl and added movement to the fixed form of an earring. In ancient fashion, pendant elements are especially visible in women's dress and funerary assemblages.
Reconstruction
For reconstruction, the weight of the pendant and its attachment method are important: an overly heavy element is uncomfortable and can damage the ear or the earring itself. A good replica starts from a specific find or image and follows the proportions, pendant rhythm, and level of finish appropriate to the character's social position.
Literature
- A. T. Croom, Roman Clothing and Fashion.
- Martin Henig, A Handbook of Roman Art.
- Maureen Carroll, Spirits of the Dead: Roman Funerary Commemoration in Western Europe.
Related topics
Women in Ancient Rome,Necklace,Rings
Roman gold earrings. Length 2.5 cm. Private collection,Ancient & Oriental auction,code EN-001. 2nd century AD
Roman gold earrings with carnelian and glass. Roman Syria. Private collection. 2nd century AD
Roman Earrings. Found in Crete. Preserved at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1st century BC-2nd century AD
Roman earrings with pearls. Preserved at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1st century AD
Earrings of Roman-Cypriot culture. Preserved at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2nd century AD
Roman Earrings. Private collection. Timeline Auctions. 2nd century ADInterested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
