Gold finger ring with snake-head terminals
The ring, with a circular cross-section, terminates in two open ends, which widen in the form of stylised snake heads and end in a blunt mouth. Behind the head, triangular decorations are still partially visible; these also appear on the sides in the form of a kind of “row of teeth”.
At the widest part of each head are two large, approximately drop-shaped eyes, whose effect was enhanced by the stones originally inserted. The “bridge of the nose” is decorated with a herringbone pattern.
Such gold rings are rarely found in Germanic graves. The type with snake-head terminals is attested mainly among arm rings, where the snake heads can also be strongly stylised. Stylised animal heads are also documented as decorative elements on other components of Germanic dress, such as the fibulae from the second treasure of Szilágysomlyó.
The finger ring shows strong traces of use and was perhaps worn by a man as a status symbol.
Technique and Preservation
The object consists of solid gold and was forged in a single piece. The surviving decorations were impressed using punches.
The ring is bent into a heart-like shape and shows heavy signs of wear: its surface is strongly abraded and scratched. The original settings for the eyes are almost completely lost, apart from a tiny remnant; the stone inlays (probably almandines or garnets) are missing.
Quantity
1
Weight
9.5 g
Diameter
2.7 cm
Material
Gold
Hoard
