3rd-2nd millennium BC. A bronze medical instrument with flat-section piriform body, integral handle formed as a slender stylised winding snake; the snake represents the Greek god of medicine and healing, Asklepios. See Webb, M., Frankel, D., Stos, A.Z., Gale, N. ‘Early Bronze Age Metal Trade in the Eastern Mediterranean. Newpositional and lead isotope evidence from Cypr’ in Oxford Journal of Archaeology, vol.25/3,2006, pp.261-288, fig.1, no.15, for similar type from Unema. 18.2 grams, 13.5cm long (5 1/4"). Family collection acquired since the 1970s. Property of an Essex collector; from his father's estate. When holding the instrument in the hand, the snake would sit within the folds of fingers and the palm, so the er would have the god Asklepios and his healing powers 'the palm of their hand'. [No Reserve]