Roman Standard -Hand of Sabazios, Circa 2nd, 3rd Century AD

Cast bronze hand with socketed end and hole for an attachment pin. Snake around the wrist ; thumb, index- and middle finger are raised in the benedictio latina gesture; 105 grams, 80mm, fine condition. See: Monterotondo, Santa Colomba area, discovered in 1858, Cat. 12157 FOOTNOTES: The Sabazios cult initially originates from Asia Minor and Thrace, and also spread out in the western half of the empire during Roman times. The ritual acts were orgiastic and were solely held during the night. These Sabazios hands, which were affixed to standards, were also used during these ceremonies. Sabazios was worshiped as the representative of the thriving life of nature that after decay always resurrects.