Gold ornaments with floral and spiral designs

National Archeological Museum, Athens, Greece

---

Material: Gold foil
Date range: 16th century BC
Origin: Grave Circle A, Mycenae, Greece

These gold ornaments were placed in a grave and were likely worn by women during sacred rites. Their shapes suggest symbolic meaning tied to nature and divine beauty.

Spirals and circular patterns were common in Mycenaean religion. The four petal-like sheets resemble a Christian cross and may symbolize divine protection or sacred authority.

Butterfly shapes were linked to the soul’s journey in the Underworld. These pieces marked the wearer’s connection to sacred rituals and the afterlife.

Museum label reference: Grave III (‘Grave of the Women’), Grave Circle A, Mycenae. 16th century BC Gold floral ornaments, of overlapping sheets, perhaps the heads of elaborate pins (15, 17, 19, 25) 

---

Supplementary images:

• 
• 

---

Gold ceremonial ornaments with spirals, floral shapes, and a cross from Mycenaean grave

---

Source:  Athens, Greece