Byzantine Bronze Ring Fragment with Mary Orans

A Byzantine bronze flattened ring fragment featuring a rhomboid shape which has been elongated at the top where the piece would have presented an attachment component. To the front, the ring is decorated with a central image of Mary, portrayed in the orant prayer pose. A halo shines around her head and two stars fill the field above her upraised arms. The figure is framed by a circular medallion; on either side of it, three circle-and-dot designs are arranged in a triangular shape. The fragment is further embellished by short carved lines to the sides, forming a decorative perimeter which is interrupted at the top by seven horizontal grooves. The reverse remains unworked and displays some cutting marks on the surface.