Pair of Snake Bracelets

Description In the ancient Greek and Roman world, snakes symbolized fertility and were believed to ward off evil. It is probably due to the animal's protective associations that solid gold snake rings and bracelets were among the most popular types of Greek and Roman jewelry. Snake bracelets were often worn in pairs, around the wrists as well as on the upper arms.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters