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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2012.1.93
Title
Bit for a Goat
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Work Type
tool/equipment
Date
1st-2nd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/56971

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
5 x 7.7 x 13.2 cm (1 15/16 x 3 1/16 x 5 3/16 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina is dark green with areas of red. Light tan burial accretions are present. A rough layer of corrosion products obscures much of the original surface. A projecting flange at the outside of the central curve of the bit could indicate that a projecting element has been lost.

The smooth irregular shapes give the impression that the wax model for casting this object was fashioned directly in the wax.


Henry Lie (submitted 2011)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
[Bernheimer's Antique Arts, Cambridge, MA] (by 1965), sold; to the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University 1965-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
2012
Object Number
2012.1.93
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
The bit is formed of a bar bent into a U-shape with a crossbar soldered onto it. The terminals of the bar are curved and in the shape of animal heads (perhaps serpents) with long snouts, open mouths, long tongues, and prominent raised circles for eyes. Metal tangs jut out from the backs of the animal heads. The bit was worn with the curved section over the animal’s nose and the crossbar between the teeth, with the reins attached to the curved terminals.

Although it is difficult to find parallels for this piece or any definitive evidence that it was used as part of a goat’s bridle, iconographic representations of erotes (cupids) driving carts pulled by goats and other animals are found on sarcophagi, gems, and medallions (1).

NOTES:

1. See, for example, Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae Eros nos. 879 and 974; and LIMC Eros/Amor, Cupido nos. 343 and 364.

Lisa M. Anderson

Publication History

  • John Crawford, Sidney Goldstein, George M. A. Hanfmann, John Kroll, Judith Lerner, Miranda Marvin, Charlotte Moore, and Duane Roller, Objects of Ancient Daily Life. A Catalogue of the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection Belonging to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, ed. Jane Waldbaum, Department of the Classics (unpublished manuscript, 1970), M130, p. 188-89 [J. S. Crawford]

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu