• Alternate view of object
  • Alternate view of object
  • Alternate view of object
May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009

Head of a Woman

Head of a Woman

600s BC

Italy, Etruscan, "Italic", 7th Century BC

Amber

Overall: 8 x 4.5 x 3.7 cm (3 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 1 7/16 in.)

Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1992.61

Location

102D Pre-Roman

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Did you know?

Amber is fossilized ancient tree sap, often imported from the Baltic to the Mediterranean region.

Description

Amber, a form of fossilized tree resin, was much prized in the ancient Mediterranean world, perhaps due to its mysterious luminosity, fragrance, and magnetism. It was often carved into figures or heads of humans, animals, or mythical creatures. Small perforations on this head suggest that it may once have been mounted, perhaps for use as a pendant. Although now opaque and crackled due to age, in antiquity the surface probably exhibited some degree of translucence, a valued attribute for amulets and ornaments.

See also
Collection: 
GR - Etruscan
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Amber
Credit line: 
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund

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