Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Roman bronze votive mask applique showing Medusa. 23,2 x 22,7 mm Good and solid condition, very nice smooth dark-green patina. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format) for items with a hammer price of € 100 or more. Medusa was a popular talismanic symbol to protect people from evil. She was considered a symbol of strength – her name comes from the Greek verb “μέδω” “to guard or protect”. Her image was used frequently as a symbol of protection on military paraphernalia, such as shields and breastplates. According to myth, Medusa was once a beautiful maiden who was transformed into a monster by Athena as punishment for being violated by Poseidon. Medusa's gaze turned people to stone, making her a feared and tragic figure. In modern interpretations, Medusa has evolved into a symbol of empowerment, representing the complexities of victimhood, strength, and transformation.