1st century BC-2nd century AD. A pair of bronze bowl mounts formed as the mask of Medusa (gorgoneion) with inlaid glass eyes and flowing hair, one with two wings to the top of the head, the other with four round bosses. See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 327, 328, for type; see also D'Amato, R. and Sumner, G., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier: From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192, London, 2009, pp.54, 107, 134.240 grams total, 7.1-10.6cm (2 3/4 - 4 1/4"). Property of an Austrian private collector since the 1970s. In Greek mythology the Gorgon was a terrifying creature whose gaze turned all living things to stone. After the monster was killed by Perseus the head was given to Athena (Roman Minerva) to wear on her armour as a protective shield, or aegis; Zeus (Roman Jupiter) is also often seen wearing the aegis with the Gorgon head. The ability of the head to attract and hold evil powers, and divert them from other targets, meant that it became a popular object for use as an amulet in the Greek and Roman periods. The head was also used on buildings, tombstones and coffins for averting the power of evil, and also as apotropaic element of the Roman muscled armours. These two elements are probably from a chariot decoration. [2]