this pendant is formed of a gold sheet rolled into a cone. Filigree wire helps disguise the joins of separate pieces at the top and bottom. On the shaft, filigree loops around single granules form six rays, a suspension loop above.
The hercules club pendant was not uncommon in the 1st century AD and speaks to the Greek mythical hero's popularity in the lands around the Black Sea. His exploits are depicted on a number of Scythian objects. This pendant finds parallels in examples recovered in and around the ancieny Greek coastal city of Tauric Chersonesos.
For related example see: Reeder, E. "Scythian Gold - Treasures from Ancient Ukrane" (1999) page 193 #81.
Condition: Some damage around the upper filigree loop (shown in photo 4) otherwise intact and overall in very good condition.
Dimensions: Height: 1 1/4 inches (3.2cm)
Provenance: Paul Ilton private collection
