Bronze pendant dug at 18"...need help IDing

[Saddletramp]

See if you can call and e-mail some pics of it to Eric Cline, who is/was? currently chairman of the Classics department at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He's an expert on these items.

 

[Danimal]

With the patina gone, it will probably be much more difficult to date and authenticate, and normally will drastically reduce the value. That said, if it as old as it LOOKS its rarity could overcome condition issues.

It LOOKs extremely old and authentic, but I am far from an expert.

How did it get here? Many possibilities.  A souvenir brought here by an American tourist, archaeologist, or govt emissary; a French colonist;  a lost piece from a museum or private collection robbery;  Brought here by a Greek or Cretan immigrant, or European collector who immigrated here.

If you haven't already, I would PM or email Brian in UK. He might know someone who can help.

I hope this turns out to be something that turns the archaeology clan upside down, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

Get it into a safe deposit box asap, and keep it insured for as much as they will let you.

Best of luck to you
Kevin

well, on the treasurenet forum, there is a "Smithbrown" guy that is convinced it's from the 1960's and is a costume jewelry reproduction.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,49936.0.html

I don't know...it could be only that old, but this thing just "feels" much older and when looked at closeup, has the wear and aged appearance of something very old.
He states that if it were legit, it probably wouldn't be a partial figure of the Prince of Lilies, but a full figure. Then he states that Minoan jewelry was more likely round or oval, not a Rhombus. When I point out to him the shape is NOT a Rhombus but a trapezoid, and also tell him I found indications that the Trapezoid was important in Crete/Minoan culture (a quick internet search provided that), he got uppity with me and apologized sarcastically, saying geometry wasn't his strong suit, also asking me to tell him more about Crete culture and trapezoids....

 

[mxtswinger]

I read his post and would take his and everyone's (including mine) advice with a grain of salt. You did neglect to inform the other folks about the heavy encrustation, which to me means that it is way, way older that 1960's. It may be embarassing to admit overcleaning, but we've all done it, and the as found condition is important to mention. I hope you have some as found pics, but don't feel bad if you don't.

I still can't make out the details of the head, face on the obverse. I would love a closeup of that. I have Photoshop and if you want to email me some pics for editing, feel free.

So far I'm with the Minoan theory, but the African connection should be checked out as well.

More power to ya

P.S. I wouldn't waste my time arguing theories. This could take years to figure out and time (at least mine ) is precious.

 

[Danimal]

I read his post and would take his and everyone's (including mine) advice with a grain of salt. You did neglect to inform the other folks about the heavy encrustation, which to me means that it is way, way older that 1960's. It may be embarassing to admit overcleaning, but we've all done it, and the as found condition is important to mention. I hope you have some as found pics, but don't feel bad if you don't.

I still can't make out the details of the head, face on the obverse. I would love a closeup of that. I have Photoshop and if you want to email me some pics for editing, feel free.

So far I'm with the Minoan theory, but the African connection should be checked out as well.

More power to ya

P.S. I wouldn't waste my time arguing theories. This could take years to figure out and time (at least mine  ) is precious.

here's a closeup of the obverse

As far as cleaning, as I said, when taken out my pouch at home, you couldn't even TELL there was imagery on the sides, and it almost appeared to be a small metal axe or metal tool of some sort. Thinking it was bronze by the weight, I put it into boiled hydrogen peroxide and after letting it fizz for about 5 min, brought it out and went over it lightly with a soft brass brush. I KNOW I didn't remove any of the actual surface material.

 

[Danimal]

Here's a picture "Smithbrown" sent me on another website that identifies the figure (Prince of Lilies"...Minoan)...and I think his main point of contention is that because this pendant is a "reproduction" of this ancient Crete painting, that the pendant itself must be of more recent origin (he mentions 1960's)
I would think if it were made that recently, that other examples of it would be available for comparison.