Roman hairpin with horse head decoration, 2nd-3rd century, after a find from Carnuntum, polished bone, approx. 13.5 cm

Roman hairpin with horse head decoration, 2nd-3rd century, after a find from Carnuntum, polished bone, approx. 13.5 cm This hairpin is decorated with a slightly stylized horse's head. Horses were popular as decorative motifs not only for their beauty and strength, but also because they were the animal of the god Neptune. Thus, the wearer of such a hairpin could express a special bond with the god of the seas and rivers or place herself under his protection. Each item is individually carved by hand. Because of this, and because each piece of bone is unique, slight variations may occur.