Roman Copper Alloy Ram's Head Terminal w/ Silver Hoop

oman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A delightful copper alloy ram's head handle terminal, rendered with delightful detail in its recessed eyes and gracefully spiraling horns. What elevates this piece to a level of significant rarity is the presence of a silver hoop, firmly grasped within the ram's mouth – a feature seldom encountered. A collar bands the animal's neck, seamlessly transitioning into a hollow tube, hinting at its former integration into a piece of distinguished furniture or an important implement. The ram's head and the ram itself held significant symbolic weight in Imperial Roman art, embodying concepts of power, fertility, and martial strength, frequently adorning architectural elements, statues, and imperial currency. The incorporation of the silver ring makes this an exceptionally scarce and highly collectible artifact. Size: 1.8" L x 1.1" W x 1.1" H (4.6 cm x 2.8 cm x 2.8 cm); silver quality: 80.5%

Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s; ex-Austrian collection, 1980s

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