Selection of Ancient Roman Bronze Key Rings

$94.78

A selection of Ancient Roman bronze key rings, featuring a round loop and a notched protruding key. Each ring is uniquely formed with a geometric design present across the key, green and brown patination covers the surface. INDIVIDUALLY PRICED.

Date: Circa 1st- 3rd century AD
Condition: Very fine condition
$94.78
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SKU: SA-02 Category: Tags: ,

Small and elegant key rings such as these were a Roman innovation. Sometimes they depicted the door for which they were designed to unlock. Furthermore, keys were considered a symbol of status due to the owner implying they had valuable assets to protect by wearing them. Such rings are also believed to have symbolised marriage or betrothal, and were worn by Roman brides to signify their role in household management. Keys and lock bolts account for the most common items of Roman security hardware to survive to this day. Keys were used mainly for doors, chests, boxes, caskets, cupboards, and padlocks, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, jewellery items, and votive offerings. Keys such as these were in use from the first century A.D. until the early medieval period.

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Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum, item number 1814,0704.1044

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