Of oval form consisting of a cameo in an open gold setting with a gold 'wavy ribbon' border and ridged suspension loop, carved in two layers, white on black, with a head of Gorgo Medusa framed by thick curly hair, wings visible, the face well defined with articulated eyes; mounted as a gold pendant. H. 1.85 cm, B. 1.25 cm; Kamee: H. 1.27 cm, B. 1.06 cm Note The head of Medusa, also known as the gorgoneion, was perhaps "the most ubiquitous subject employed for cameos" during the Roman period (p. 183 in M. Henig and H. Molesworth, The Complete Content Cameos). When used in jewelry it was thought to have amuletic or apotropaic properties, conferring protection to the wearer, including from the Evil Eye. During the Roman period, the type is typically shown either frontally or slightly turned, with wings in her hair, the face framed by serpents. The most common materials were sardonyx, chalcedony, carnelian or glass imitating them. It is mounted as a pendant in a its original Roman gold frame. Provenance Frank Sternberg AG, KAM 1997, 337 Private collection, Switzerland, acquired from the above Condition Traces of wear, otherwise intact Shipping terms Worldwide shipping. No export permit needed to ship from Switzerland.Buyers have to cover transport costs and any additional import costs (e.g. VAT, import levies). You also acknowledge and accept that you are responsible for checking if there is any specific rule or restriction applicable to the import of an object into your country.