FINE GREEK/UKRAINIAN BRONZE DOLPHIN PENDANT NECKLACE, 5TH-4TH CENTURY BC

From the Greek Black Sea colony of Olbia (currently at war) which provided slaves, cereal, and fish. Before die struck coinage, these dolphin figures served as a means of exchange, vital for commerce to thrive. They are modeled as the bottlenose dolphins of the Black Sea which were both friendly and considered auspicious and sacred to Apollo. The dolphins are bronze, evidently, hand-modeled as they vary considerably though always in leaping or breaching posture. This example is over 1 1/8” long with delineated eyes, a prominent bottle nose, and dorsal fin. Surface textured from burial, it has been professionally refurbished and silver plated on a modern Sterling silver 18” neck chain. Jewelry gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.