Pair of Kolti with Sirens
Dublin Core
Title
Pair of Kolti with Sirens
Subject
Sirens with geometric motifs
Description
This 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 on nobles in Byzantium. Made to look symmetrical, koltis were intended to hang on both sides of the wearer’s face. Engraved in the gold are enamel icons of sirens on one side, and colorful geometric patterns on the other. The gold would have sparkled in the light, bringing attention to anyone adorned. Made during the middle Byzantine period, Artist unknown. In the collections at Dumbarton Oaks.
Publisher
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection
Date
850-1204 CE
Contributor
Emily Feyrer
Rights
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection
Relation
http://museum.doaks.org/objects-1/info/23137
Format
Gold casts with enamel motifs
Type
Jewelry
Identifier
BZ.1999.13.a-b
Collection
Citation
“Pair of Kolti with Sirens,” Byzantine Philly, accessed June 19, 2025, https://byzantinephilly.lcdss.reclaim.hosting/items/show/16.