Original scientific paper

Pendants on Roman Horse Equipment from Salona

Sanja Ivčević ; Archaeological Museum in Split

Abstract

Pendants hung from horse harnesses had a decorative, but also symbolical role, as they protected the animal from evil influences. They were utilized during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and are frequent finds throughout the Roman Empire. The examples from Salona can be classified into three basic types according the typology of Bishop. Two are examples of type Bishop 2a (cat. 1, 2), dated to the 1st century. The most represented type is Bishop 5e, with six examples, including the most interesting pendant (cat. 3), as it exhibits a connection to the so-called bird-like pendants (Bishop 7), and is typologically located between the two types. In contrast to the pendants whose characteristics correspond to the basic form of type 5e (cat. 4-7), a rhomboid pendant (cat. 8) stands out somewhat
in terms of shape. This type is dated somewhat later than the previous one, from the mid 1st century to the end of the 2nd century. Type Bishop 10 is represented with two examples but of different variants. The example with a bull’s head (cat. 9; Bishop 10c) is analogous to such pendants found in other parts of the Empire, and as they are scarce yet similar, it is conjectured that they were produced in the same workshop, located in the region of northern Italy. A lunular phallusoid pendant (cat. 10) exhibits certain specificities of form (square loop and distinct stylization), and it is assigned to the variant that is most similar (Bishop 10r). They are dated to the 1st century.

Keywords

pendants; Roman horse equipment; Salona

Hrčak ID:

37016

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/37016

Publication date:

23.5.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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