Hellenistic Gold Diadem with Leaves

2nd-1st century BC. A gold diadem section, made from a smooth straight band fitted with holes and twelve oak leaves with fine foliage details. See similar diadem and foliage in ???????? ?.?., ????.???.????; ??????? ?.?., ????.???.????; ?????? ?.?., ?-?.???.????; ?????? ?.?., ????.???.????; ?????? ?.?; ????????? ?.?., ?-?.???.????; ??????? ?.?, ???????? ????????? ????????? ????? ?????????? ?? ?????, ????, 2004, p.165 n.93. 56 grams total, 21.5cm (30.5cm with stand) (8 1/2 (12)"). Ex Gottfreid and Helga Hertel collection, Cologne, Germany; formed 1960-1980. Wreaths had special significance within Greek culture. They signified dignity, merit, high status, and respect. The winners of the Olympic Games were awarded wreaths fashioned from sacred olive branches tied with a white woollen ribbon, and the winners of the Isthmic Games were awarded wreaths from pine branches or fresh celery. Outstanding speakers, poets, playwrights and actors were crowned with branches of laurel- a tree dedicated to Apollo, the patron god of arts (hence the word 'laureate'"). A myrtle wreath was worn by those who spoke at the National Assembly, as a sign of fulfilling their civic duty. A wreath of golden oak or laurel leaves served as a symbol of royal power (such a wreath was found in the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great"). Wreaths were also an obligatory headdress at feasts and during the holidays. These festival wreaths were made of fragrant herbs and flowers, and roses and violets were particularly popular. For feast wreaths, ivy was often used, since it was believed that it prevented intoxication. Wreaths were used by men and women alike.
Condition Report: Fine condition.