This exquisitely detailed bone sculpture depicts the Roman deity cupid, the son of the love goddess Venus, riding a mythological sea creature. With one hand the winged deity grips reins, which are looped through the sea creature's snout. The other hand holds what appears to be a fragment of a trumpet or shell to the lips of the god. The most striking feature of this sculpture is the painstaking detail with which the figures are carved. Each scale on the sea creature's body is carefully defined, as are the fins, and its rows of even, square teeth. The locks of hair on cupid’s head are given similar careful treatment, as are the feathers, which comprise his wings. The mythological creature floats on a thin layer of water, which rests upon a base depicting a highly detailed foliage motif. This sculpture may have been used as an ornament or worn as an amulet. - (PF.2997)

Antiquities
Ancient Roman