Oscillum with the Head of Medusa in the Getty Villa, June 2016

Title: Clipeus with the Head of Medusa

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Culture: Greek (Sicilian)

Place: Sicily, Italy (Place created)

Date: 300–100 B.C.

Medium: Terracotta with a layer of calcite (?) slip and polychromy (black, pink, light blue, red)

Object Number: 71.AD.255

Dimensions: 1.9 × 18.8 cm (3/4 × 7 3/8 in.)

Alternate Titles: Disk with Head of Medusa (Display Title)
Disk with a Head of Medusa (Display Title)

Object Type: Oscillum


This clipeus depicts a winged head of Medusa. The head projects from the plaque; around its neck hang a torque and a knotted snake. Three over-lapping layers of scales radiate below, in the form of a stylized aegis. Two holes for suspension above the head suggest that the object functioned as an oscillum. Traces of polychromy remain on the surface.


Text from: www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/6709/unknown-maker-clipeus-with-the-head-of-medusa-greek-sicilian-300-100-bc