Ca. 100-200 AD. A cast bronze phalera formed as a lion's mask. The animal's head with prominent brow and eyes, an open mouth, and a detailed mane framing the face. This was likely to have been worn on the breastplate of a soldier or formed part of a chariot fitting. Objects formed of bronze were ubiquitous in the Roman world, being used by the Roman military, for instance, for both practical and decorative purposes. The phalera is the sculptured disk (typically formed of bronze) on the breastplate, which was worn by Roman soldiers as a reward for outstanding service, or as a representation of military rank.Size: L:32mm / W:28.8mm ; 26.07gProvenance: Private London collector, acquired on the Austrian Art market; formerly in an old USA collection, formed since the 1970s.