Late Roman / Early Byzantine Bronze Temple Bell

Ancient Near East, late Roman Imperial to early Byzantine Empire, ca. mid-4th to 6th century CE. A cast-bronze bell of an open, hemispherical form with a thick body that has a central perforation meant to hold a hammer or means of suspension. A petite, low relief ring surrounds the top of the central perforation, and three pairs of incised, tightly grouped rings adorn the top. Bells like this example were typically used in open temples where the sonorous tones would easily echo and fill the space with sound. Attractive mottled layers of brown, russet, and green patina cover the entire composition. Size: 5.125" Diameter x 2.125" H (13 cm x 5.4 cm)

Provenance: private Redding, California, USA collection; ex-Los Angeles, California, USA collection, from the 1970s to 1980s

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#152654
Condition Report: Two stable fissures stemming from rim, minor abrasions and encrustations, and very slight bending to overall form of rim, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits and great patina throughout.