The golden necklace that can be seen in the showcase 68 of the permanent exhibition "The Gold of Macedon" was found in one of the richest tombs of the cemetery of Sindos (ΜΘ 7962, 7963, 7966, 7967).
The cemetery was accidentally discovered in 1980, bringing to light 121 burials from the Archaic and Classical periods. The tomb belonged to a woman who died around 510 BC. Among her grave goods were found a golden mask, miniature furniture and chariot models, golden and silver jewelry, clay and metal vessels, and other precious items.
This impressive piece of jewelry is undoubtedly the work of an experienced and skilled goldsmith with deep knowledge of his craft and great dexterity. It consists of three different types of biconical beads, all made of golden leaf. Most of these (48) are divided into two sections with three successive twisted golden wires, decorated with a band of leaves. Two of them have cylindrical extensions on both sides adorned with granulated triangles. Nine additional separating beads, smaller in size, bear vertical engravings. The necklace is completed with two large pendants in the shape of pomegranates. They bear decorations similar to those of the beads with twisted wire and bands of leaves, ending in flowers.
The choice of the pomegranate as the main decoration of the necklace refers to the multiple symbolisms of this fruit. In antiquity, it was associated with both the cycle of life and death. Due to its multitude of seeds, it symbolized abundance, prosperity, marriage, and fertility. It is often found in temples as an offering by worshippers to significant female deities such as Hera, Athena, Artemis, Aphrodite, Demeter, and Persephone. Specifically regarding the fate of Persephone, the role of the pomegranate is considered crucial. According to the myth, Hades, before letting her return to her mother, gave her pomegranate seeds to eat, a gesture that likely symbolizes a physical union with the goddess. In this way, he "bound" her to the Underworld and ensured her return to it. Pomegranates are also frequently found in the hands of athletes in funerary reliefs, and it is likely that they were given as prizes to the winners.
The chthonic character of the pomegranate fruit was probably the most dominant in antiquity, as offerings of pomegranates in burials are very common, and pomegranate models were often used as grave goods. It is believed that, due to the red color of the pomegranate and its juice, similar to that of blood, it was associated with the world of the dead. According to the myth, pomegranate trees had grown from the blood of Zagreus Dionysus, but the same tree is also found at the tomb of Menoeceus, son of Kreon, who sacrificed himself to save Thebes, as well as at the tomb of the brothers Eteocles and Polynices, sons of Oedipus, who died in a duel at the seventh gate of Thebes.
The rich symbolism of the pomegranate does not disappear after antiquity but survives and transforms during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods. Even today, it signifies transitions in weddings and funerals and plays a central role in customs related to the welcoming of the New Year and the first sowing in autumn.
