Earrings with ibex head terminal

Ptolemaic Period
2nd century B.C., perhaps
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
Hoops 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.

The hoops on these earrings are formed of sheet gold.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Earrings with ibex head terminal
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 2nd century B.C., perhaps
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: a. As Worn: H. 1.4 × W. 1.5 cm (9/16 × 9/16 in.)
    b. As Worn: H. 1.4 × W. 1.5 cm (9/16 × 9/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
  • Object Number: 10.130.1506a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.