Demeter, the middle daughter of Cronus and Rhea, was the Ancient Greek goddess of grain and agriculture, one of the original Twelve Olympians. Her grief over her daughter Persephone – who has to spend one-third of the year with her husband Hades in the Underworld – is the reason why there is winter; her joy when she gets her back coincides with the fertile spring and summer months. Demeter and Persephone were the central figures of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most famous secret religious festival in Ancient Greece.
Source: https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Demeter/demeter.html
Travelers on the Grand Tour of Europe found the newly excavated ruins of Pompeii to be an irresistible stop. Lava trinkets from these sites made for excellent and inexpensive souvenirs, easy to pack and carry. In addition, pinning a lava cameo on ones’ blouse proved the wearer to be a well-traveled person of culture and good taste. The local industry was equal to the demand and created many cameos and intaglios out of this unlikely material to the unending delight of the tourists.
Set in silver, this beautifully carved lava cameo depicts the Greek goddess Demeter. With wheat woven into her hair, a draped toga, and a bead necklace, she is the epitome of feminine grace and bounty.
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 38mm
Weight: 8.05 grams
Materials: Silver, Carved Lava Cameo
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear