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Set of 6 Ancient Roman Bronze Medical Instruments with Symbolic Motifs (1st–3rd Century AD)
Note: Shipping available only within the European Union.

Material: Bronze
Culture: Roman
Period: 1st–3rd Century AD
Condition: Very Fine+ – All instruments display their original patina and earthen deposits. Please refer to the photos for additional visual details.

Provenance: Ex-German private collection, acquired in 2002. A provenance document and declaration of legal origin are available in PDF format upon request.

This exceptional set of six ancient Roman bronze medical instruments is a testament to both the technical skill and symbolic artistry of Roman healing traditions. While primarily designed for medical procedures—such as probing, mixing, and treating wounds—several of these tools also appear to reflect spiritual or protective iconography, suggesting their potential use in ritualistic or talismanic healing practices as well.

Highlights of the Set:
An instrument with a finely crafted Ibex head – Possibly symbolizing strength, vitality, and resilience, the ibex may have served not only as decoration but as a spiritual emblem for restoring health.

An instrument featuring a bird or dove figure – Birds, especially doves, were symbols of peace, purification, and divine connection, hinting at a protective or sacred aspect to its use.

An instrument engraved with a female figure, possibly a queen or deity – This could represent a protective goddess or healing figure, reinforcing the sacred function of medicine in Roman society.

The remaining tools include probes, hooks, and spoons, all essential in Roman surgical and pharmacological practice. Their craftsmanship and preservation reflect the Romans’ advanced understanding of anatomy, hygiene, and spiritual health.

Historical Context:
Roman physicians often operated at the intersection of science and spirituality, with healing rituals frequently invoking the gods. Instruments like these may have belonged to a physician who viewed healing as both a physical and metaphysical endeavor—balancing empirical knowledge with symbolic protection.

1st-3rd Century AD - Europe

Ancient Roman Bronze Medical instrument - Set of 6 Instruments  (No Reserve Price)

Archaeology

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Country of origin

Netherlands

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Unknown

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Gender

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Condition

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Excellent condition, barely used with minimal signs of wear

Period

1450-1500

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

Yuan-Ming Dynasty

1550-1600

1650-1700

Aravidu dynasty (16th - 17th century)

Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- 220 A.D.)

Liao Dynasty (916-1125)

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589)

1800-1850

1400-1450

1500-1550

1600-1650

1750-1800

2020+

1850-1900

Certification

No laboratory report

Subject

Birds

Greek mythological figures

Aker

Osiris

Aššur

Animals

Buddha

Deity

Dragon

Style

Ancient Roman

Ancient Egyptian

Neolithic

Ancient Greek

Ancient Roman, Empire

Paleolithic

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Byzantine

Bronze Age

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Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty

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Ancient Roman Bronze Medical instrument - Set of 6 Instruments (No Reserve Price)

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Archaeology

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Ancient Roman Bronze Medical instrument - Set of 6 Instruments (No Reserve Price)

Popular in Archaeology

1592 objects

Related collections