The gold blossomed myrtle wreath ΜΘ 24000 was illicitly excavated somewhere in Central Macedonia, it appeared in the illegal market of antiquities, and then it was purchased by the John Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles in 1993.
Shortly after, the Greek Ministry of Culture began efforts to claim it, which were crowned with success; in 2007 this precious object was returned to Greece. It is now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, where it has been exhibited ever since.
This is a fine work of art, which has been preserved in a fairly good condition, although not complete (several branches and flowers are missing). It consists of two stems bent to form a circle on which individual lanceolate leaves and branches are attached; the latter have rich foliage and a multitude of flowers, all rendered in a naturalistic manner. The flowers present great variety, while it is noteworthy that some of those on the front were additionally decorated with color – namely green and blue enamel - and have golden stamens ending in gold or glass balls. The addition of color over the gold gives a unique aesthetic effect.
According to ancient literature, myrtle as a plant was associated in antiquity with the goddess Aphrodite and her cult as well as with the Eleusinian Mysteries. However, apart from the context of religious ceremonies, myrtle wreaths, as plant wreaths or as imitations in metal and other materials, were also worn in formal events and celebrations, such as weddings and banquets.
The elaborate golden myrtle wreath of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, undoubtedly the work of a master goldsmith, was made during the second half of the 4th century BC, in a workshop active in Central Macedonia. It is likely that it was used by its owner (man or woman), who would no doubt have been a prominent member of the Macedonian aristocracy, in life and then, after his/her death, it was placed in the tomb, in order to accompany him/her in the afterlife.
Date: 350-300 BC
You can see the wreath up close at the temporary exhibition "Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. 60 years | 60 moments" until October 31, 2023, and then in the permanent exhibition "The Gold of Macedon", showcase 70.
