Dancing Curetes

291, Lot: 195. Estimate $300. Sold for $260. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THRACE, Mesembria. Gordian III, with Tranquillina. AD 238-244. Æ (25mm, 11.57 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, facing diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina left / Two Curetes, helmeted and clad in short tunics, each holding short sword and shield over head. Karayotov 118-25 (O20/R34); Varbvanov 4186 (same dies as illustration). VF, green patina, smoothing.

The Curetes share some of the attributes of the Corybantes, dancing divinities associated with the worship of Cybele, but their specific role in Greek mythology was to serve as the protectors of the infant Zeus while he was hidden away on Crete, safe from his murderous father Cronus. Their militant dancing, accompanied by the clashing of swords on shields, drowned out the cries of the infant. The Curetes’ dance was later re-enacted by young men at Greek festivals and games.