File:Roman snake-form finger-ring (FindID 235494).jpg

English: A copper-alloy snake-form finger-ring of Roman date. Snake-form jewellery appears to have been introduced into Britain in the 1st century AD (see Johns, 1996, p. 44-47) and continued in popularity well into the second century and possibly beyond. For a parallel for this penannular example, see PAS no. NARC-BDDE70. This ring is classified as a Type Bii, under the typology constructed by Johns, as it has somewhat stylised features (Johns, p. 45). The hoop is rectangular in section and its outer face is decorated with a repeating pattern of incised zig-zag lines. The hoop gradually expands in width towards the ring's two damaged terminals, significantly decreasing in thickness as it does so. Each terminal takes the form of a snake's head, similar in appearance to a the flared hood of a cobra in defensive mode. Each head is defined at the bottom by three incised transverse grooves; four further grooves, arranged in an inverted triangular formation, define the centre of the head; the hood is indicated by a series of angled parallel grooves which extend down both of the long sides. The opposing sides of the heads are both damaged, although a surviving portion of each indicates that they were originally straight and separated from each other by a short gap. The upper surfaces of both terminals exhibit traces of solder, indicating that there was originally something attached. The ring has a mid blueish-green patina and little corrosion. It measures 21.4mm long (front to the back of the hoop) and 22.4mm wide. The terminals are 12.9mm high and 0.5mm thick. The back of the hoop is 1.8mm high and 2.2mm thick. The weight is 1.9g.