Plaque of Cybele

Dateearly 3rd c

Mediumbronze

Dimensions8.2 x 8.2 cm

ClassificationsObject

Credit LineGift of Dr. Lillian Malcove

Object numberM82.385

DescriptionBronze circular plaque with bust of Cybele wearing a crown and holding her usual attributes - the sistrum and cymbals - in her left hand. She is flanked by two lions at shoulder level. One lion stands on the head of a deer, the other on the head of a (?) bull. A snake is placed in the small area left under the bust of Cybele. Roman work of ca. the early 3rd century. The cult of Cybele - an ancient earth goddess, mistress of animals, etc., - was introduced into Italy from Phrygia in the second century BC, but was most popular during the Severan emporers, esp. Septimius Severus (192-214) and his Syrian wife Julia Domna. There is some speculation that the features of Julia Domna are incorporated into some Cybele statues, and that she was assoiated with the goddess, just as emperors were assoicated with gods and heros.

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