Ca. 200-500 AD. A bronze finger ring composed of a broad, hoop with incised shoulders and a flat bezel. This bezel is adorned with a curvilinear decoration probably representing a lituus, a curved staff that was used by the Romans to signify their magistrates. The lituus is an ancient symbol associated with the augurs of Roman religion. It was used to cast lots and interpret the will of the gods. It was held in the right hand of the augur, and the curved shape of the tool was used to mark out the sky for divination. In the later Roman period, the lituus was also used as a symbol of authority, worn by magistrates and upper-echelon members of Roman society.Size: D: 18.35mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q 1/2; 10.24gProvenance: Private London collector, acquired on the Austrian Art market, formerly in an old USA collection formed since the 1970s.