Find spot: Tomb IV of Circle of Mycenae (Greece)
Date: 16th c. BCE
Clothing depicted: bracelet
Museum link: National Archaeological Museum of Athens https://www.namuseum.gr/en/permanent_exhibition/mykinaikes-archaiotites/
While Mycenaean goldsmiths frequently used semi-precious stones (like carnelian, amethyst, rock crystal, and lapis lazuli) or glass paste (faience) for beadwork and inlaying, this specific bracelet relies purely on sheet gold working techniques:
- The Petals: Crafted using the repoussé technique, where the gold is hammered from the reverse side to create a raised, multi-layered design.
- The Core: A separate raised gold piece secured right at the heart of the rosette flower to bring depth and dimension to the floral design.
Sources
Learning history: The era of Pit Tombs BURIAL CYCLE A OF MYCENAE https://learninghistory.gr/%CE%B7-%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%87%CE%AE-%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD-%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%BA%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%B4%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CF%84%CE%AC%CF%86%CF%89%CE%BD/
Brazalete con una flor https://www.artehistoria.com/obras/brazalete-con-una-flor
Bridgeman Images https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en-US/greek-school-16th-century-bc/bracelet-with-flower-from-tomb-iv-of-circle-of-mycenae-greece-goldsmith-art-mycenaean-civilization/nomedium/asset/593303
Greek Gold Jwelry: https://liviaaugustae.eklablog.fr/bijoux-grec-en-or-a79709375