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owl of Athena intaglio pendant
£35.00
Intaglio or seal 'owl side' reproduction of an Athenian silver coin of the second quarter of the 5th century BC. The reverse of the pendant is smooth and plain. These famous Athenian coins, depict helmeted Athena on one side and her owl on the reverse. The owl is flanked by an olive branch and the first three letters, in Greek, of the city of Athens. This design was to remain on the coinage of Athens for centuries to come.
dimensions of the square: 1.8cm x 1.8cm Drop: 2.4cm
quantity
about the owl
Symbol of Athena, who was the goddess of wisdom, intelligence and resourcefulness. She was also the patron deity of Athens, the city to which she gave her name and the gift of the olive.
The owl was frequently depicted in the art and coinage of the city, especially from the 6th century BCE onwards.
about Athena
Athena, daughter of Zeus, was the goddess of intelligence, wisdom, resourcefulness and strategic thought. She was also the protectress of women and of female crafts such as weaving.
Zeus discovered that Metis, the goddess of intelligence, was pregnant with his child. Fearing that the child would be superior to him, he turned Metis into a fly, and swallowed her. Nine months later, Zeus had a terrible migraine, and summoned his son Hephaistos, who promptly took his axe, cut open Zeus' head, and out popped baby Athena. His brainchild. Fully formed in miniature, and armed for combat, with her helmet, shield, and spear. With her father, she later shared the aegis, the snake-fringed cloak with the image of the head of Medusa in its centre, after Athena had helped Jason to decapitate her.
Following a contest with her uncle, Poseidon, she became the patron goddess of Athens, to which she gave her name and the gift of the olive. Athena (also Athene) favoured the heroes Herakles, Jason, Achilles, Perseus and Odysseus, and was associated with Nike, the winged goddess of achievement and victory.
Her symbols are the owl and the olive.
more about this jewellery
It has been a privilege to work with the Vaphiadis family since 2007. They are one of the best manufacturers of sterling silver jewellery in Greece.
The collection is inspired by ancient Greek silver and gold coins, the art and jewellery of the Minoan civilisation, familiar symbolic motifs and images, and the animals that played a significant part in ancient Greek culture.
sad news about this collection
Due to the tragic, sudden death in early 2025 of Ioannis Vaphiadis, who made all this beautiful jewellery, the family's jewellery production has ceased.
This is all the remaining stock that I have. Ioannis was only in his late 50s, was such a lovely man and a dear friend.
I was so lucky to work closely with him for 19 years.If you already have a piece of his jewellery, cherish it.