Getty Museum

Pair of wrist bracelets in the form of coiled snakes

Date

225–175 B.C.

Medium

Bracelets: Gold; Fastening pin: Copper alloy

Culture

Greek

Department

Jewelry

Institution

Getty Museum

The similarity of design and construction of these two bracelets to the armlets (see [92.AM.8.6.1](http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/106883/unknown-maker-upper-arm-bracelet-in-the-form-of-a-coiled-snake-greek-225-175-bc/) and [92.AM.8.6.2](http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/106884/unknown-maker-upper-arm-bracelet-in-the-form-of-a-coiled-snake-greek-225-175-bc/)) identifies the four pieces as having been conceived to be worn together. This pair is intended to be worn at the wrist (they are of narrower dimension than the armlets) and are formed of two snakes. The uppermost coil forms the back end of the snake and the second coil represents the forepart. The snakes are depicted as coiled to strike, conferring great energy to the design of the bracelets. The pin-and-hinge construction is the same as used on the armlets: closure was effected by aligning attached loops and passing a pin through them, the final result imitating a length of bead-and-spool wire in order to disguise its function.

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