Keywords: Greek - Pair of Earrings with Cow Heads - Walters 57589, 57590 - Group.jpg Besides the common loop earrings with lion heads Greek artisans developed a large variety of earrings Simple versions combine a disc with a pyramidal or vase-shaped pendants; more elaborate earrings feature figural pendants with animals hybrid creatures such as sphinxes and sirens or Eros figurines the latter being a very popular motif This charming pair of earrings consists of bovine heads protruding from biconical beads hanging from simple loops The animal heads are made in repoussé with engraved and chased details while the bead is decorated with fine granulation Bulls were symbols of fertility and power sacred to Zeus while cows were sacred to Hera the wife of Zeus and patron of marriage century 5 BC Classical gold cm 3 8 diam accession number 57 589 57 590 77443 Henry Walters Baltimore date of acquisition unknown by purchase Walters Art Museum Henry Walters Acquired by Henry Walters place of origin Greece Walters Art Museum license Ancient Greek art in the Walters Art Museum Jewellery in the Walters Art Museum Art from Greece Media contributed by the Walters Art Museum needs category review |