The earrings reproduce part of a gold bracelet made of twisted wire and inlaid sardonyx in the joint, which is in the shape of a Hercules knot. The knot, widely used in jewellery in Egypt from the second millennium until the time of the Ptolemy dynasty, might have been so named because of the manner in which the lion-skin worn by Hercules was knotted over his chest. The widespread use of this motif was probably due to the popular belief that the knot had protective and curative properties. Egypt, 3rd c. A.D.
Inv. No. 1739
Silver Replica
Dimensions: 1 x 0,8 cm
