Greek - Greek Hoop Earring with Lion Head - Walters 571665 - Profile

Hoop earrings, worn in pairs, with animal-head finials were popular during the Hellenistic period. This lion-headed example represents the common type, which appeared in many different sizes. To create the body of the hoop, very thin wire is wound around a tapering core of gold. The earring is fastened by hooking the thin end of the hoop through a hoop in the lion's mouth.