Roman knife handle in the form of a male head with phrygian cap

ITEM: Knife handle in the form of a male head with phrygian cap
MATERIAL: Bone
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 66 mm x 14 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, R.B., acquired in 1979

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Phrygian cap, often associated with freedom and rebellion, was a symbol with deep cultural significance, and its inclusion in the design of a knife handle speaks to Roman interest in both the cultural and symbolic associations of objects. This style of knife handle would likely have been used by someone of high social status or importance, as the design is not only decorative but also showcases the wealth and taste of the owner. The male head, possibly a representation of a mythological or historical figure, would have been sculpted with great detail, demonstrating the skill of Roman artisans in working with materials such as bronze, ivory, or wood.

The Phrygian cap itself had a particular connotation in the Roman world, symbolizing liberty and often associated with freedmen and revolutionary figures. Its appearance on a knife handle might have had a symbolic meaning, suggesting the owner's connection to these values or perhaps a desire to align themselves with the ideal of freedom. This form of headgear was also famously worn by figures in both Greek and Roman art as a marker of a distinct cultural identity. Its use on a utilitarian object like a knife handle elevates the object from mere functionality to an item of cultural and artistic significance, reflecting how the Romans often integrated symbolism into everyday tools.

Objects like this knife handle, which combine utility with symbolic art, reflect the Roman ability to blend form and function. While knives themselves were essential items used for a variety of tasks, such as eating, cutting, and even in military contexts, their handles were often decorated to reflect personal identity, cultural affiliations, and status. The male head with a Phrygian cap on the handle of a knife would have been a striking example of how Romans personalized even the most practical of tools.