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Key

1–100 CE

Italy, Roman

Medium
iron tang, bronze handle
Measurements
Overall: 15.6 cm (6 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1952.586
Public Domain
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Location
103 Roman
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Did You Know?

The bronze handle of this key combines three heads: of a boar, Mercury, and Silvanus.

Description

Cleverly designed with an iron bit attached to a bronze handle, this key can be admired from all angles. While the handle terminates in the head of a ferocious boar, farther down are back-to-back heads of Mercury—his wings formed from the ears of the boar—and his goat-legged, horned son, Silvanus (also known as Pan). Given the rustic nature of the heads, scholars have suggested that the key might once have unlocked a country villa.
A decorative bronze and iron key depicts two human faces positioned back-to-back. Above them, a stylized animal head with an open mouth points upward. The bronze handle base is encircled by leaf motifs and a ribbed band, connecting to a heavily rusted, dark brown iron shaft. This textured stem terminates in a chunky, L-shaped bit. The glint of light off the bronze contrasts with the pitted, crumbly surface of the iron.

Key

1–100 CE

Italy, Roman

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