First century, the time of Christ. ½” height, Deep relief modeled as a bird with its wings at its sides in a somewhat abstracted form. Almost certainly a sorcerer’s amulet worn by augurs, the seers of Roman pagan religion, who foretold the future by interpreting the flight of birds in an area described by his staff. The interpretation was much like the later practice of reading tea leaves. Professionally refurbished with the gold surface restored for modern wear.
