Sunday, March 15, 2015

Cypriot agate scepter head, Circa 950 BC


Scepter and mace heads are well-attested Cypriot implements, but this example is exceptional in the magnificence of its material. The head itself is set on an iron shaft. During the Late Geometric and Archaic periods, rulers of the major centers of Cyprus gained considerable wealth from natural resources, notably copper, and from active trade, especially with the Phoenicians.

Or, a fitting topping to a wizard's staff.  Gandalf would approve.

3 comments:

  1. No idea where you find this stuff. Learning some interesting stuff from your site.

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