Personal Adornment
Dublin Core
Title
Personal Adornment
Description
In the world of Byzantine art, jewelry and personal adornment played an important role in visual culture. The objects presented in this gallery, despite having common themes of devotion or protection, emphasize the wide variety of uses for jewelry in the Byzantine era — for instance, among the rings in this collection there is a wide variety of utilities; while adornment was typically a show of wealth and power, the ways in which individual objects were used still vary — from a marriage ring to a curse ring to a ring of devotion. Each of these, and all the pieces presented here, hold a unique story and show the power of Byzantine jewelry in the role of self-presentation.
Contributor
Luke Pelcher
Collection Items
Marriage RingThis ring, made of gold, is from the early Byzantine period and is believed to have been used to signify and protect a marriage. It shows Christ,…
Bracelet with Bust of RomaA personification, Roma or possibly Athena, is depicted on this bracelet made of gold. No matter her identity, the presence of a goddess on jewelry in…
Pair of Kolti with SirensThis pair of Kolti were hollow pendants to allow for perfume to waft from the wearer. They were hung over the heads and attached to strings of pearls…
St. Nicholas RingThis ring of St. Nicholas was most likely created during the 13th century, and it was created in a way to make it look like it was the gemstone…
Gem RingRings were a very common form of personal adornment within the Byzantine Empire. They would be a means of conveying the wealth and/ or faith of the…