Bracelet

Silver bracelet with extended terminals representing snakes' heads. Band is of D-shape in cross-section. Although of simple form, the bracelet falls within the well-established Graeco-Roman tradition of portraying snakes in jewellery. This devolved form is of Romano-British manufacture. Part of a group of grave goods from a wooden 'jewel box', recovered from the Roman cemetery at Mansell Street, London E1.

Depictions of snakes were believed to act as charms against evil. It is likely to have been placed in this burial group to ward off evil spirits and ensure a safe journey to the underworld.