Roman Silver Finger Ring Healing Snake of Salus

Code: 10625

This is a nice ancient Roman silver finger ring, dating to the 2nd century A.D. It is of penannular form, decorated with two facing snakeheads. A similar ring found in Oxfordshire discussed here PAS-942FE3 and Suffolk SF-8BEF14. This snake ring is of Johns Type Bii, there are numerous parallels from the Snettisham jeweller's hoard, (Johns, 1997, 36-37 and 100-105, nos243-274). 

The snake during this period was associated with healing, the goddess Salus and Asclepius all have associations with snakes.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver

RING SIZE:  9 (US)  R 3/4 (UK)

SIZE: 22mm x 26mm x 4mm

WEIGHT: 5 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection.