Gilded Wreaths From the Late Classical and Hellenistic Periods in the Greek World

Abstract

This paper discusses gilded wreaths from the Greek world, which were sometimes buried in graves in the period between the fourth century BC and Roman times. It is based upon a study undertaken by the author for her doctoral thesis. A categorisation into seven types is proposed, based on first-hand study of some 170 wreaths. Some of the wreaths studied are presented here and a detailed description of one representative example of each type with contextual information is set out in the Appendix. It is not clear whether gilded wreaths were worn in life, but their main use seems to have been funerary. Most were intended for the head, and some ideas as to how the various types may have been worn are proposed. Suggestions as to the probable origin of each of the various types are made, with caveats. The author was able to analyse many wreaths, enabling her to draw some conclusions as to the materials used; the results most relevant to the seven specimens described in the Appendix are set out in the two tables. There follows a discussion of the gilding technique used, which in most cases involved an application of a clay coating and adhesive beneath the gold. Some items with similarities to gilded wreaths are then discussed to set them in context: gold wreaths, terracotta jewellery and single leaves. The paper reviews the four main uses with which wreaths are associated in ancient Greece, all connected (religious purposes; on death; at the symposium and banquets; and to honour victorious athletes and other outstanding persons) before offering some explanations as to why gilded wreaths may have been buried in graves.

8 Greek art: recent developments and current trends

“…Another aims to revitalize the discussion of Greek arms and armour by assembling data from excavations and, specifically, appreciating how such objects operated in the funerary context of Hellenistic Macedonia (Juhel 2017). A lengthy article has appeared on gilded wreathes from Late Classical and Hellenistic Greece, including typology and technique, where again mortuary practices are centred, while other contexts also explored (Jeffreys 2022). On a more modest scale are the lead votive figurines from Spartan sanctuaries, representing gods, mortals, animals, and objects, which continue to capture our attention and present challenges of style, chronology, and scientific analysis (e.g.…”

A Step into the Past

“…3 They had an important role in burial rites and customs because the wreath was a reward won during life and its magical and miraculous function protected the deceased during their long journey to the underworld. Wreaths were gifted to winners of athletic and musical competitions, as well as to persons of note -magistrates and doctors (Jaffreys 2022;Chatzipangioutou, Ignatiadou 2018: 267;Ignatiadou, Tsigarida 2011).…”