#FindsFriday Medusa pendant

This #FindsFriday we have a pretty captivating find for you. But don’t stare at it for too long…👀

Here we have Roman pendant of Medusa’s head, made of carved jet. It was found in a child’s burial excavated in 2012 near Butt Road.

If you didn’t already know… in Greek mythology, Medusa was a gorgon (monster), cursed by Athena for breaking her vow of celibacy. Her punishment meant she was made to look ugly, with living venomous snakes for hair, and that anyone who looked at her would be turned to stone 🐍

For the Romans, the Gorgon’s head became a symbol of protection and jet was also thought to have magical properties. So it could be that this medallion was deposited in the grave to protect the young child buried here on their journey to the Underworld. Spooky stuff🪦

What a magnificent find.

Research by work experience student Noah.