A GREEK GOLD STRAP DIADEM Late 4th-early 3rd century... Lot 17

A GREEK GOLD STRAP DIADEM Late 4th-early 3rd century BC 12,5 cm (4,92 in) long; 33,5 gr (1,075 oz) Composed of multiple gold sheets to form filigree and granulation on each side of the Herakles knot and on the tongue-shaped strap finely decorated with rosettes linked together with ivy leaves and tendrils, multiple hook and loop closures joined the central Herakles knot. The bands of the knot are elaborately decorated in filigree with multiple spiral springs terminating with snakes protomes on three side. The Herakles knot is typical of the Greek jewellery from the Mycenaean period, but became particularly popular in the fourth century BC and its symbolism is closely connected with marriage PROVENANCE: Private Collection, France.