Rare Romano-Egyptian Mosaic Glass Face Bead

This rare, finely executed square Romano-Egyptian mosaic glass face bead shows two finely detailed faces, interpreted as masks of Medusa, one of the three Gorgon sisters in Greek mythology. The faces are set against red and blue backgrounds and framed by a triple border of white, green and dark blue glass. The facial features, including the eyes, nose, mouth and hair, are carefully rendered in black and red glass. The bead is pierced vertically for suspension. This type of bead may also have been worn as protection against evil.

Dimensions: ± 13,2 x 13,4 x 5,1 mm

Intact, stable and in very good condition, with vibrant colours and only minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with its age and use.