Ancient Roman Silver Pendant depicting a harvester (No Reserve Price)
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Current bid
€ 25
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 250 - € 300
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 Bidder 3523 | €25 | |
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Ancient Roman silver pendant depicting a harvester, dating to the 2nd–3rd century A.D., 19 mm square, in good condition, from an ex-European private collection (previous owner acquired in 1990 in France), acquired in 2025, with Certificate of Authenticity and export licence.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Pendant depicting a harvester
MATERIAL: Silver
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 19 mm x 19 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, acquired before 1990s
Roman pendants, a crucial component of ancient jewelry, reflected a shift in taste from the Greek emphasis on intricate goldwork to a preference for vibrant color and mass-produced affordability. While the wealthy elite wore elaborate pendants crafted from gold, silver, and imported precious stones like emeralds, garnets, and pearls, the lower classes utilized more common materials such as bronze, glass, bone, and jet. Roman artisans pioneered the skillful use of colored glass to simulate costly gems, a technique that made elaborate necklaces and pendants accessible to a broader population. This focus on color and ornamentation, facilitated by Rome's vast trade network, set Roman jewelry apart and allowed pendants to serve as versatile adornments across all social strata.
Beyond mere fashion, Roman pendants frequently held deep symbolic and amuletic significance, functioning as a form of social and religious communication. For adults, pendants were often powerful status symbols: the most prestigious featured set gemstones, intricate cameos, or coins (medallions) bearing the likeness of the reigning Emperor, linking the wearer to imperial power. Crucially, pendants served as protective charms, known as amuleta. The most distinct example is the bulla, a locket traditionally given to male children at birth and worn until they reached manhood, which was believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. Other common protective motifs included the fascinus (phallic charm) and various religious figures or symbols of good fortune.
The diverse designs found on Roman pendants reflect the society's complex belief system and hierarchy. Motifs ranged from depictions of deities like Venus and Mars for blessings in love and war, to abstract symbols such as the crescent moon (lunula), which was popular among women and children for protection. The use of elaborate pendants was particularly pronounced on necklaces, which men and women of both high and low status wore. For women, these pieces were a crucial way to display their family's wealth, as jewelry was often considered their personal, independently held property. Ultimately, a Roman pendant was more than an accessory; it was a visible declaration of the wearer's wealth, piety, and social standing within the structured life of the Empire.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Pendant depicting a harvester
MATERIAL: Silver
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 19 mm x 19 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, acquired before 1990s
Roman pendants, a crucial component of ancient jewelry, reflected a shift in taste from the Greek emphasis on intricate goldwork to a preference for vibrant color and mass-produced affordability. While the wealthy elite wore elaborate pendants crafted from gold, silver, and imported precious stones like emeralds, garnets, and pearls, the lower classes utilized more common materials such as bronze, glass, bone, and jet. Roman artisans pioneered the skillful use of colored glass to simulate costly gems, a technique that made elaborate necklaces and pendants accessible to a broader population. This focus on color and ornamentation, facilitated by Rome's vast trade network, set Roman jewelry apart and allowed pendants to serve as versatile adornments across all social strata.
Beyond mere fashion, Roman pendants frequently held deep symbolic and amuletic significance, functioning as a form of social and religious communication. For adults, pendants were often powerful status symbols: the most prestigious featured set gemstones, intricate cameos, or coins (medallions) bearing the likeness of the reigning Emperor, linking the wearer to imperial power. Crucially, pendants served as protective charms, known as amuleta. The most distinct example is the bulla, a locket traditionally given to male children at birth and worn until they reached manhood, which was believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. Other common protective motifs included the fascinus (phallic charm) and various religious figures or symbols of good fortune.
The diverse designs found on Roman pendants reflect the society's complex belief system and hierarchy. Motifs ranged from depictions of deities like Venus and Mars for blessings in love and war, to abstract symbols such as the crescent moon (lunula), which was popular among women and children for protection. The use of elaborate pendants was particularly pronounced on necklaces, which men and women of both high and low status wore. For women, these pieces were a crucial way to display their family's wealth, as jewelry was often considered their personal, independently held property. Ultimately, a Roman pendant was more than an accessory; it was a visible declaration of the wearer's wealth, piety, and social standing within the structured life of the Empire.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
2nd - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Pendant depicting a harvester
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
