Ionia. Phokaia circa 478-387 BC.
Sixth Stater or Hekte EL

10 mm, 2,55 g

Head of female left, with hair in sphendone of cross-hatching pattern; below, small seal right / Quadripartite incuse square.

Nearly Extremely Fine

Bodenstedt 93.

From a southern German private collection; Ex Münzen & Medaillen 40, Lot 240. In ancient Greece, particularly during the Hellenistic period, women often wore their hair in conjunction with the sphendone, a type of garment. The style varied over time and across regions, but generally, women would arrange their hair in elaborate and intricate hairstyles that complemented the draped fabric of the sphendone. These hairstyles could involve braiding, twisting, and pinning the hair to create intricate patterns and shapes, often adorned with jewelry or other hair ornaments. The hair might be swept up and away from the face, allowing the draped fabric of the sphendone to flow gracefully down the body. Alternatively, some hairstyles incorporated the fabric of the sphendone itself, wrapping strands of hair around the garment for added adornment and security. Overall, the hairstyle worn with the sphendone was an essential part of the overall ensemble, contributing to the wearer's elegance and beauty.