Romano-Egyptian Bronze Roundel Zeus-Ammon

Egypt, Romano-Egyptian, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A superb leaded bronze roundel depicting the visage of syncretic deity Zeus-Ammon in relief, finely created via the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The deity presents with the face of a human comprised of almond-shaped eyes, a naturalistic nose, a mustachioed mouth, and a curly coiffure; however, his ears are bestial, as are his coiling ram's horns. The border of the roundel has four equidistantly places holes for attachment, three of which are fitted with pins. A very special and well-preserved example! Size: .625" L x 1.75" W (1.6 cm x 4.4 cm)

Zeus-Ammon was an oracular deity in the tradition of Amun-Re (also Amun-Ra) - associated with the Sun god Ra or Re. This god was famously honored with a shrine at the temple complex of Karnak in the vicinity of Thebes. As king of the gods, Amun-Ra was regarded as champion of all who suffered from poverty or woes. Amun-Ra also came to be known and worshipped outside of Egypt, according to ancient Greek historiographers in Libya and Nubia. As Zeus Ammon, he was of course linked to Zeus, king of the gods in Greece.

Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

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#161112
Condition Report: Expected age wear to surface but details of relief are still strong. One pin missing. One of the two surviving fittings for stabilizing the pins on the verso show some bending. Pin without fitting is bent on verso. Beautiful green patina has developed over the ages.