3-037-150 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Head of a Dog, 1st-2nd century A.D. Additional Info: With its pointed ears pricked forward attentively, powerful squared muzzle, and deepest eyes under by a prominent brow, this canine head portrays a Molossus (or Molossian Hound), an ancient breed of guard dog native to Southern Europe. A ruff of fur extends back behind the ears over the neck, which is encircled by a wide collar. The end of the neck has a small opening for attachment to a utensil handle and likely served as a decorative grip on a key for a cabinet or chest lock. Roman keys, which opened complex lock mechanisms, often have figural protomes in the shape of animals, especially lions and horses. Guard dogs are uncommon but would have been an appropriate image on keys used to secure doors and cabinets.