A gold ring depicting a rare scene of a woman in breastfeeding, is the “Exhibition of the Month” for August at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The institution began in 2017 with the aim of highlighting the museum exhibits that “tell” the public a separate story. The exhibit of this month stands out both for its iconographic theme and for the emotional intensity and expressive power of its microfinal performance.

The object came to light in February 1938, when, during the construction of military works in the area of Sedes Airport in Thermi, a built box -shaped tomb, “intact” as the archaeologist Nikos Kotzias was then found. Inside, it brought a written decoration and a wooden roof, which is believed to have been lined with colorful fabric, rather decorated with stars, in a symbolic heaven for the tomb of the tomb: a young wealthy woman, as at least suggesting her numerous and precious bids.

Among them was this particular gold, compact ring, dating to 330-320 BC. “It has a blatant performance on the upper, ellipsoid, flat surface: a sitting woman tilting her head down, looking at the little boy who breastfeeding in her arms. The same jacket with sleeves, web, head cover (bag) and sits on a slope, an elegant wooden seat with low back and curved legs bent out. With her right hand she holds the child, while with her left she lifts his head to her chest. The child is depicted naked, with short straight hair, breastfeeding by the woman’s right chest and tenderly resting with his palm on the left. Its size suggests that this is not an infant, “AMTH said.

As the General Manager of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki explains to the Athens/Macedonian News Agency, Dr. Anastasia Gadolou, “Objects of historical and archaeological significance are selected, illuminating important historical periods, events or cultural phenomena. There are also less prominent objects, which are not permanently exposed and are “hidden diamonds” of the collection or included in museum periodic exhibitions. Some exhibits have scientific or research interest, are related to recent studies, restorations or findings and give the public access to new knowledge. Finally, objects of attractiveness and pedagogical value are selected, which can attract interest, raise questions or enrich educational programs. ” She herself emphasizes that “the institution is based on a balance between scientific validity, thematic relevance and attractiveness to the public. The exhibits are not arbitrarily selected but with the aim of serving the educational and cultural role of the museum, enhancing the experience of visitors. “

A tender moment carved masterfully on gold

Breastfeeding scenes, although often found in angiography, in tombstones, and in idolatry, are quite rare in ancient Greek jewelery. As noted in the AMU announcement, what makes this particular ring special is not only its issue, but also the emotional tension and the expressive power of microfinal performance. “The ancient craftsman, with excellent craftsmanship, managed not only to dig on to a very small surface (only 1.65 x 2.07 cm) realistic details of the folds of the garment and the jewelry of the form, but also to deliver its particular emotional and emotional quality.”

Although the identity of the lactating woman is not known, it is certain that the ring had been worn for a long time before it was placed in the grave, as it has scattered traces of use and deterioration, such as engravings and shocking edges. “If she did not belong to a relative or girlfriend of the dead woman, who offered her as a posthumous gift, then we can assume that she was a personal jewelry of her own, wearing it while she lived. In this case another question arises: was his iconography related to the capacity and role that the woman had alive? Was it a mother or did he hope to be done? A question that will remain well hidden, as a secret, in the silence of the grave, “the statement concludes.

The “Exhibits of the Month” since 2017, when the institution began, are posted on the Archaeological Museum’s Museum page. Following a proposal by the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Dr. Styliana Galiniki will soon be published every ten or twenty exhibits in small books, so as not to lose the wealth of information that the museum archaeologists have collected with love and love.

The Golden Ring with an index number MTH 5420, exhibit of August 2025, is on display at the permanent exhibition “The Gold of the Macedonians”, in the showcase 34.