Gonio, Khelvachauri Municipality
Got from accidental find
Size: 5.4X4.9 cm
Gold and garnet
A plain frame surrounds Helios representation with nimbus over his head. His wavy hair falling on his shoulders is shown in relief. He has a large forehead and flat nose. The deep-seated eyes are depicted by the use of dots. A draped cloak thrown over his shoulders is fastened with an agraffe on the right side of his chest. Similar pendant, thought to be manufactured in one of the Bosporan workshops, is discovered at Tanais settlement, river of Don area. It is no incrustation, bears images of Zeus, Cybele, Aphrodite and Eros. Dated to the Hellenistic period.
Batumi Archaeological Museum Collection Inv. № 1: 12-101;
Bibliography:
Lordkipanidze Otar, Mikeladze Teimuraz et Khakhoutaichvili David, Le Trèsor de Gonio, Tbilissi, 1980: 13, 23-24, pls 19-20; Kakhidze Amiran, Shalikadze Tamar and Partenadze Tamar, Batumi Archaeological Museum Treasure, Catalogue, Batumi, 2015: 68, fig. 91.