Advanced Search 
Ring with sphinx and two birds
Italic, Etruscan
Archaic Period
mid 6th–late 6th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
Length x width (bezel): 2 x 1 cm (13/16 x 3/8 in.)
Overall: 2 cm (13/16 in.)
Overall: 2 cm (13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number98.775
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Rings
DescriptionThe cartouche-shaped bezel is divided horizontally in three sections; in the middle one is a sphinx, wearing a hat and holding a branch. The hat resembles that worn by haruspexes (Roman religious officials who practiced divination). In each of the other two sections is a bird with spread wings. These designs are incised.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (one of a group of objects that according to Warren's records were brought to Rome and had all been found together in a tomb at Ferentinum [the contents included MFA 98.687-691a, 98.774-775, 98.778-783, 98.800-801, and 98.918]); 1898: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 69,618.13 (this figure is the total price for MFA 98.641-98.940)