40 ACCOUNTS, ESTIMATES, &C. OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 



the objects in tliis treasure are generally embossed and chased, gilding being applied liere 

 and there to enhance the effect of the salient parts, and the surface being further varied 

 by the occasional use of engraving or stipphng. The figures are clumsy in propordims, 

 and coarsely executed, but the general eiFect is not displeasing to the eye, and the tradition 

 of earlier and better art may be recognised in liie principal compositions. By whom 

 or when this treasure was pUiced in the vault where it was found, whether it was there 

 deposited by a robber, or hidden by some noble family in time of trouble, cannot now be 

 ascertained. Studied in connection uith the consular diptychs, mosaics, and paintings of 

 the same period, this series of objects in silver is of peculiar interest to the aicliaeologist, 

 and especially for the illustration of architecture and costume. 



VII. — Greek, Etruscan, and Boman Gold Ornaments. 

 This collection is exceedingly choice ; the following objects may be especially noted : 



(l.) A pair of earrings in the form of Victories, each holding up above her head a disk, 

 on which is a radiated full face in relief representing the god Helios. These figures are 

 beautifully modelled and in very fine condition. They were found in the island of Ithaca. 



(2.) C\vcm\<\v fibula 1| inches in diameter; in the centre, a lion's head within concentric 

 rings. 



(3.) C\\cvl\2lx fibula 1^ inches in diameter; in the centre, a female head crowned with a 

 wreath of leaves and set within a crown. 



(4.) Fibula 2f inches long ; at one end, a horse, at the other a chimcera, both couch- 

 ing. This ^nejibula is in admirable condition. 



(5.) Etruscan bulla 1;^ inches in diameter, with a loop for suspension round the neck; 

 on both sides, in relief, a decapitated Medusa, out of whose neck spring two Pegusi. 



(6.) k fibula 4| inches long, made in two parts, each composed of four bars with re- 

 curved erds, terminating in female heads. These two pieces are united by hooks and eyes, 

 and by pins fitiinji into sockets, meeting in a third or central piece, which is ornamented 

 with sixteen double-headed monsters with lions' bodies arranged in four rows. 'Wxx?, fibula 

 is of pale gold, or electrum, and the ornaments are rudely wrought with filagree. 



(7.) A floral ornament If inches in diameter, composed of six leaves. In the centre an ani- 

 mal's head issuing from the i alyx of a flower ; the six leaves around are ornamented alternately 

 with a luiman head anil a small flower. There are seven smalltr rosettes in the same style, and 

 the head of a gryphon. All these ornaments are rudely wrought in filagree, in a pale crold. 

 They are probably of Graeco-PhcBnician fabric, as they resemble the ornaments found at 

 Camirus in Rhodes by Messrs. Salzmann and Biliotli. 



(8.) A necklace of four fine chains of gold, in which are set at intervals small white glass 

 beads ; from the chains hang four pendants, representing the head of the Egyptian Athor, 

 and at either extremity of the necklace is a hawk's head. The centre pendant has an 

 waus in a shrine above the head of Athor. These pendants are in a pale gold, wrouo-ht in. 

 filagree, and ornamenied with enamel. The work is rude and early, and may be Phoenician, 

 or Grffico-Phcenician. 



(9.) Four bands of gold, each about 8J inches long, disposed diagonally, one end of each 

 meeting in a central knot, to which they are attached ; on the. bands are embossed, Cupids 

 playing in various attitudes, and amphora. '1 he central knot is richly ornamented 

 with filagree, and contains a flower. This singular ornament, which probably belongs to a 

 very late period of Greek art, may have been worn as a cross-band on tiie bosom or on the 

 head. 



(10.) A pair of bracelets, fonred of three twisted bands of gold partially welded together, 

 having flowers set in them at intervals. At one end they terminate in a lion's head. These 

 bracelets are in the finest condition ; the design is very rare and beautiful. 



(11.) Necklace composed of a broad fine chain, from which hang rosettes and double 

 leaves; at either end a lion's htad. 



(l2.) A pair of hollow earrings, teiminatingin lions' heads ; and thirteen single eariinos, 

 the pendants mostly formed by small figures, or animals' heads. 



(13.) A circular stand, 2\ inches in diameter, .such as was used in antiquity to hold 

 small bottles of variegated glass. 



(I'l.) An Etruscan ring, with an oblong gold chaton, on which are embossed a Hippo- 

 camp and gryphon; a ring, on which is a draped female figure in intaglio on the gold, in- 

 scribed $IA.. KA; a ring, with a Victory in intaglio, flying and holding out before her a 

 wreath; above XAIPE. 



(15.) Ten female masks, embossed and chased, finches long. 



(16.) Four chains, three of which terminate in animals' heads. 



(17.) A necklace 



