Expert: Irulan Serena - 3/24/2008

Question
I have a modest antiquities collection and part of that is a number of
bracelets, 5 in total from 4 different cultures. These bracelets have one thing
in common in that they terminate in the head of a snake. The interesting
thing is the varied cultures they come from: Roman, Greek, Celtic and
Thracian. I have been trying to find a definitive answer to the origin of this
symbolism, in particular the importance of wearing the items. Some of the
bracelets are bronze, others silver. Some are spiral, and others are standard
single turn, or slightly overlapping. A scholarly friend of mine suggested that
they all come from the Oroboros figure in ancient Egypt, second intermediate
period, and that Alexander the Great disseminated this image after visiting
Egypt. The thing is, two of my bracelets pre-date Alexander, the Thracian
and Celtic bracelets, and none of them obviously represent the head chasing
the tail. Not to my eyes anyway. Now, I appreciate that age attribution in the
private antiquities market can be a bit spotty, but I've got to think this
imagery was in use prior to Alexander. I know that Christian mythology
places the snake as an evil figure, but I've read that in pagan mythology it
safeguarded the warrior who wore it. So, it makes sense that the Christians
would take the opposite tack. What I can't seem to find is a definitive answer,
origin and path of dissemination of this interesting image. I am particularly
interested in how it relates to the adornment usages of wearing the bracelets,
or rings that seem to be ubiquitous as well. Are you able to help me with
this, and maybe suggest some online reference for this area? It would be
much appreciate. Thanks, Mark

Answer
Hello Mark,

The snake is a very symbolic animal with highly ambiguous associations. For many ancient civilizations, the snake symbolized the underworld and the realm of the dead, apparently because it spends much of its life in hiding and in pits below the surface of the earth, but also because of its apparent ability to be rejuvenated through the shedding of its skin.  

A potent and very old symbol, the snake seems to strike a deep and very basic chord in humanity.   Interpretations cover everything from personifying an evil tempter to representing wisdom, healing and rejuvenation.

A symbolic animal with highly ambiguous associations, for many ancient civilizations, the snake symbolized the underworld and the realm of the dead, apparently because it spends much of its life in hiding and in pits below the surface of the earth, but also because of its apparent ability to be rejuvenated through the shedding of its skin. The snake moves effortlessly without the aid of feet, emerges from an EGG like a BIRD, and can often kill with its venomous bite.
Of particular symbolic significance is the snake biting its own tail (Greek UROBORUS), which stands for the cycle of eternal return, or for eternity in general. In the alchemistic tradition it is associated with cyclical processes (evaporation and condensation, alternating successively), the state of "sublimation" often being represented by WINGS.

The Ouroboros  is a classic symbol for eternity.  The snake is the symbol of life throwing off the past and continuing to live.
In Norse mythology a huge snake (Jormunjgandr) is wrapped around the earth, a symbol of the sea, not unlike its ancient Egyptian counterpart, the gigantic Apophis, which threatens to capsize the boat of the SUN god.

In the pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America, the snake (Aztec coátl) appeared as the fifth day-sign of the calendar. The snake being thought of as poor and homeless, it mostly portended ill for those born under this sign, who were expected to become peddlers and warriors, forever wandering with no fixed abode. The plumed serpent Quetzalcóatl (adorned with the green feathers of the quetzal bird), however, was a divinity of great religious significance, apparently representing a harmonization of the duality bird/snake (and thus heaven/earth). (The Mayan name of the plumed serpent was Kukulcan.) The bird/snake polarity is represented, for example, in the arms of Mexico City.

In Goethe's prose work entitled "Fairy Tale," the snake symbolizes the spread of pure humanity. Traditionally, however, snakes are thought of as fear-inducing. Such mythic creatures as BASILIKS and DRAGONS are exaggerated versions of the snake and its menace. In psychoanalysis snake phobia is interpreted as fear of a "phallic symbol."

In philosophy systems of Asiatic origin the kundalini snake, coiled at the base of the spinal column, symbolizes vital energy to be awakened and elevated through meditation.

Snake-like creatures play an important role as "guardians of the TREASURES of the earth" in ancient Indian symbolic tradition. These benevolent demigods, called "Nagas," are often portrayed by sculptors as humans with snakes' bodies, standing guard at temples.  

Cultures have a  tendency to use their symbols in jewelry for adornment as well as other reasons, so you will find that many bracelets, rings and necklaces from ancient times were shaped in the form of snakes.


Regards,


Iru