Roman planta pedis ring

A high carat gold Roman ring, circa 3rd century A.D., incised with a foot imprint. Votive offerings in the shape of feet were presented to the gods as gifts or dedications as a sign of gratitude, devotion or a plea for favour. The foot is a liminal extremity, on the cusp between humans and the soil below. It was no coincidence  in Roman literature that metamorphosis began with feet and it was in their feet that mermaids, centaurs and satyrs were distinguished from humankind.  Much of the symbolism involving feet was literal, associated with the foot’s natural function of movement, travel and journeys, including that to the afterworld. The ring is size I and 1/2 [US 4 and 1/2] and in fine and wearable condition.

£950