Ducks as symbols of love and fertility in ancient Rome

 Another beautiful ancient Roman artifact from the 3rd century CE photographed by my good friend Allan Gluck at the Dumbarton Oaks Museum, a necklace of golden ducks. According to Bard, ducks were particularly symbolic to the ancient Romans:

Third century CE Roman necklace depicting ducks photographed at the Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. by Allan Gluck

Third century CE Roman necklace depicting ducks photographed at the Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. by Allan Gluck

"Ducks had a symbolic meaning for the ancient Romans of the Third Century CE. Ducks were often associated with fertility, abundance, and domesticity. They were also seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity.

"In some Roman myths, ducks were said to be the sacred animals of the goddess Venus, who was associated with love, beauty, and pleasure. Ducks were also sometimes depicted in Roman art as companions of the gods Jupiter and Mars.

"In addition to their mythological significance, ducks were also a common source of food for the ancient Romans. They were often kept as domesticated animals on farms and were also hunted for their meat.

"Overall, ducks were seen as positive symbols in Roman culture and were associated with good fortune, abundance, and prosperity.

"Here are some specific examples of how ducks were used symbolically in Roman art and literature:

"In Roman mosaics, ducks are often depicted swimming in ponds or lakes. This is thought to symbolize fertility and abundance.

In Roman poetry, ducks are sometimes used as metaphors for love and beauty. For example, the poet Ovid describes a woman's beauty by comparing her to a swan.

"In Roman mythology, ducks are said to be the sacred animals of the goddess Venus. This is because ducks are often seen as symbols of love and fertility."

One of my Facebook followers pointed out that the granolatin and the lines of animals together are known Etruscan techniques and asked me if it could have been produced by an Etruscan artisan even though it was crafted in the 3rd century CE. So I asked Bard if that was a possibility. Bard replied with:

"Although the Etruscan civilization declined significantly in the 3rd century CE, there is evidence to suggest that some Etruscan artisans continued to practice their trade. While the Etruscans were gradually assimilated into Roman culture, their artistic traditions persisted to some extent.

"One indication of this continued Etruscan artistic activity is the continued production of bucchero pottery, a distinctive black ware that was a hallmark of Etruscan craftsmanship. Bucchero production continued in the 3rd century CE, albeit in smaller quantities and with less refinement compared to its earlier heyday.

"Additionally, there is evidence of Etruscan artisans working in other mediums, such as metalworking and sculpture. For instance, a bronze Etruscan chariot found at Monteleone di Spoleto, dated to the 2nd century CE, demonstrates the continued skill of Etruscan metalworkers. Similarly, terracotta sculptures from the 3rd century CE exhibit Etruscan stylistic elements, suggesting that Etruscan sculptors continued to contribute to the artistic landscape of central Italy.

"While the Etruscan civilization was no longer a dominant political force in the 3rd century CE, its artistic legacy endured through the continued work of Etruscan artisans. Their craftsmanship, though diminished in scale and refinement, preserved a unique cultural identity that persisted even in the shadow of the Roman Empire."

So, it looks like the necklace could very well have been the product of the few remaining Etruscan artisans still practicing their craft as late as the 3rd century CE.

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