Mercury-Ring, Bronze

Mercury was the god of the dealers and traders, but also of the thieves. He was responsible for contracts, was a peacemaker and leader of the souls to the underworld. In the roman provinces of northern europe, more statuettes of Mercury were found than of any other god or goddess of the roman pantheon. Corresponding to his area of responsibility, the ring depicts his typical image: He carries a purse and his staff, called Caduceus. In ancient mythology  it is a rod with two snakes, winded among each other in peace. A cock is standing by his feet and he wears his winged boots and a travelling hat, the Petasus. The original (pic. 2) was placed to our disposal by a private collector. Handcrafted from real bronze.