Finger Rings Research Articles

What jewelry did people wear in the Middle Byzantine period (10th-12th C. CE) in the Peloponnese? A technological and analytical case study

The present paper presents the preliminary results of the archaeometric analysis of a Middle Byzantine jewelry assemblage made of non-precious metals from the ancient site of Pallantion, near Tripoli (Peloponnese, Greece). The assemblage under examination consists of 26 artifacts, including earrings, finger rings and buckles. Macroscopic observations and optical microscopy were used to examine the manufacturing technology of the artifacts, with a particular focus on the manufacturing technology of wires. The proposed methodology combined a Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (HH-XRF) and a Micro X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (μ-XRF) to group the alloys used in the manufacture of the jewelry, despite the presence of corrosion. This methodology indicated that the majority of the artifacts was made of bronze, leaded or not, and gunmetal. Moreover, a quantification criterion was used to determine the state of preservation of the surface of the jewelry. Overall, the present study highlights the manufacturing technology of jewelry of the Middle Byzantine period and the tendency to imitate silver jewelry with lower-cost materials.

The Prevalence of Physical Violence, Drivers of Imprisonment, and Conduct of Prisoners in Mogadishu Central Prison, Somalia

Violence is described as the intentional use of physical force against a person, oneself, or a group of people that causes trauma, psychological harm, or even death. It could take the shape of physical or psychological harm, deprivation, or emotional or sexual assault. Violence of many different kinds is committed in jails globally. However, they are frequently carried out in secrecy, which makes them challenging to establish. The target population for the study were prisoners and staff in Mogadishu Central Prison. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was applied to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Systematic sampling was used to select prisoners, while purposive sampling was used to select key informants (staff). The study used questionnaires and key informant interviews as data collection tools. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27, and both Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s Chi-square were used to test for associations and relationships between variables after descriptive analysis had been done. Qualitative analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The study found that the overall prevalence of physical violence in the prison was 16.3%, with the majority of violence being conducted by convicts against other inmates, but there were also instances of violence committed against and committed by prison staff. The prevalence among inmates was 15%, and prisoners against warden was 1.3%. The most common types of physical violence were fist fights (11.8%), flogging (1.6%), use of weapons or other instruments (1.6%) such as razor blades, throwing shoes at each other, or use of finger rings and slapping (1.3%). The study highlights a concerning high prevalence of physical violence within Mogadishu Central Prison, primarily perpetrated by inmates against each other and occasionally involving prison staff. To address the issue, the study recommends a multifaceted approach, including heightened conflict recognition and resolution training for prison staff, increased investment in resources to alleviate overcrowding, and the establishment of rehabilitation and mental health programs to target the underlying triggers of violence

Детские погребения первых веков н. э. из могильника Старокорсунского городища № 2

The paper analyzes the material of 26 children’s burials from the Maeotian burial ground. The Infantilis I age category inc­ludes 14 burials, in half of which were buried children aged 3—4 years. Skeletons of children of the age category Infantilis II were found in seven burials. The age of the children from the remaining four burials is not determined. Five graves pits were found, corresponding in size to the height of the buried children. The main position of the buried is extended on the back. The crouched position on the back and on the side is twice as rare. The predominant direction in the orientation is not observed. Most of the burials contained locally produced gray-clay pottery. The dating of the burials is based on the chronology of bronze fibulae of various types of the second half of the 1st to the 2nd centuries AD, found in 10 complexes. Jewelry is represented by bronze arm rings, finger rings, earrings and beads, among which are figured pendants made of “Egyptian” faience, which are usually considered apotropaic. In two burials, bronze bells were found, which, it is believed, performed a protective function. In general, children’s burials coincide with the burials of adults in terms of the rite and the composition of the accompanying inventory. However, some notable differences can also be distinguished: the absence of weapons, the almost complete absence of pieces for a belt set, and rare tools.

“Vergis Mein Nit”—Connectedness and Commemoration through Rings in the 16th Century

By the end of the 16th century, finger rings in reverse glass painting technique became increasingly popular in Europe. Often, they are used in the context of signet rings with the monogram together with the coat of arms of its beholder depicted on the glass bezel. The following paper concentrates on nine finger rings of this group. Instead of an actual coat of arms though, these finger rings carry the device V(G)MN or FGMN (for-get-me-not) accompanied by a depiction of little blue forget-me-not flowers as the coat of arms. By collecting and describing the so far existing material, the paper aims to contextualize the use and function of the finger rings with the symbol of the forget-me-not flower in the fields of love, friendship and faith. Furthermore, it links the symbol of the for-get-me-not on finger rings and the imperative power of the written letters V(G)MN or FGMN to its tradition in German literature and texts.

Seventh-Eigth Centuries Finger-Rings Discovered in Transylvania

Finger-rings of the 7th–8th century discovered in Transylvania were yielded only by cemeteries, both of inhumation and biritual. The inhumation burial grounds where finger-rings were identified include those of Gâmbaș/Cetățuie or Cimitirul reformat/further Gâmbaș 12, Sâncrai3 and Teiuș4. In biritual cemeteries, finger-rings were found in the burial grounds of Bratei 25 and Sibiu/Gușterița6. The few cemeteries with finger-rings is linked to the small number of burials which contained objects of respective type, and concurrently, with the small number of finger-rings. The Avar cemeteries count a total of five burials with finger-rings among the grave goods, their number amounting to eight exemplars. In the biritual cemeteries mapped in Transylvania, two cremations yielded each a single finger-ring and just one inhumation which contained a single finger-ring. Typologically, finger-ring types are few as well. They come down to two main groups, namely plain finger-rings and finger-rings with ornaments in the upper part of the ring hoop. Plain rings are represented by simple hoops made of iron, bronze or silver threads or thin bars. To the second group belong finger rings of thin sheet, with an ornament in the upper part in the shape of round spheres or round or oval plates. The small number of Avar cemeteries and graves from Transylvania in which finger-rings were found may be the result of various causes. It is very likely that finger-ring wearing was not fashionable in the Avar communities of Transylvania. A second element that may be taken into consideration to interpret the few such artefacts at the level of the archaeological sites from the Transylvanian Plateau is related to the assertion of social standing of those buried with finger-rings as well. The typological identity of the finger-rings from Transylvania (type B), together with the few items and graves where these were discovered may be interpreted as the display of ethnic identity of finger-ring bearers. Lastly, another interpreting acceptable for the finger-rings present in the Avar cemeteries of Transylvania is that of magical object playing an apotropaic role.

Перстни из вещевого комплекса парного захоронения детей-подростков на Сунгирской верхнепалеолитической стоянке

The article presents the results of a technical and morphological study of a series of ivory finger rings discovered in 1969 by O. N. Bader during his excavations of a unique double burial of teenagers at the Sungir Upper Palaeolithic site (35—29 thousand years ago), situated at the eastern suburb of the city Vladimir in Vladimir province of Russia. The objects under study are nine artifacts in the shape of small rings made of mammoth ivory, including six intact finger rings found on the fingers of two buried teenager boys. The newly obtained technological and use-wear evidence makes it possible to better understand how the rings were produced and used. In particular, it suggests that both closed and disconnected rings were carved from short and massive ivory chips. Special attention was given not to the aesthetic of the outer surface but rather to the morphometric properties of the inner surface. The character of pitting on the ring surfaces, peculiarities of their position on the fingers, and the character of the archaeological context of these finds point to the possibility that they were probably not only personal ornaments of ancient hunters, but had also some strictly utilitarian function associated with the use (throwing) of projectiles.

Moda, statut social sau atribut etnic. Inele pentru deget din secolele VII-VIII descoperite pe teritoriul Transilvaniei

Finger‑rings of the 7th–8th century discovered in Transylvania were yielded only by cemeteries, both of inhumation and biritual. The inhumation burial grounds where finger‑rings were identified include those of Gâmbaş/ Cetăţuie or Cimitirul reformat/further Gâmbaş 12, Sâncrai 3 and Teiuş 4. In biritual cemeteries, finger‑rings were found in the burial grounds of Bratei 25 and Sibiu/ Guşteriţa 6. The few cemeteries with finger‑rings is linked to the small number of burials which contained objects of respective type, and concurrently, with the small number of finger‑rings. The Avar cemeteries count a total of five burials with finger‑rings among the grave goods, their number amounting to eight exemplars. In the biritual cemeteries mapped in Transylvania, two cremations yielded each a single finger‑ring and just one inhumation which contained a single finger‑ring. Typologically, finger‑ring types are few as well. They come down to two main groups, namely plain finger‑rings and finger‑rings with ornaments in the upper part of the ring hoop. Plain rings are represented by simple hoops made of iron, bronze or silver threads or thin bars. To the second group belong finger rings of thin sheet, with an ornament in the upper part in the shape of round spheres or round or oval plates. The small number of Avar cemeteries and graves from Transylvania in which finger‑rings were found may be the result of various causes. It is very likely that finger‑ring wearing was not fashionable in the Avar communities of Transylvania. A second element that may be taken into consideration to interpret the few such artefacts at the level of the archaeological sites from the Transylvanian Plateau is related to the assertion of social standing of those buried with finger-rings as well. The typological identity of the finger‑rings from Transylvania (type B), together with the few items and graves where these were discovered may be interpreted as the display of ethnic identity of finger-ring bearers. Lastly, another interpreting acceptable for the finger‑rings present in the Avar cemeteries of Transylvania is that of magical object playing an apotropaic role.

Rings with Heraldic Motives from the Wiener Neustadt Treasure: Imitations of Medieval Signet Rings?

In 2007, a late medieval hoard was found in Wiener Neustadt (Lower Austria), which is extraordinary in many respects: the circumstances of its discovery were curious, its composition extremely inhomogeneous in terms of date and quality, and last but not least, the reconstructable circumstances of its concealment seem to have sprung almost from a Hollywood screenplay. It is due to a memorable coincidence that this treasure could be processed quickly within the framework of a scientific research project. The results were already presented in 2014 in a comprehensive monograph. One aspect among the numerous oddities of this hoard is the high number of finger rings it contains, which in turn form a very inhomogeneous category of finds. A group of rings with heraldic motifs on the ring plate is particularly striking and are the focus of this article.

Composition of glass bracelets and rings from the Ayyubid-Mamluk cemetery at Dohaleh, north Jordan

Twenty-six glass bracelets and three finger rings from an Ayyubid-Mamluk (1179–1517 CE) cemetery at Dohaleh, North Jordan, have been analysed by electron microprobe. They fall into six compositional groups, based upon their alkali- and silica-related components. Groups A and F were made using Levantine plant ash but differ in their silica sources, they are typically decolorized using manganese. Groups B, C and E overlap in terms of silica-related components but may be sub-divided on the basis of alkali source; this appears to have been a mineral alkali, possibly from Anatolia. A single bracelet (Group D) shows characteristics of Mesopotamian glass. All groups show evidence of tin-opacification, but the color palette of the mineral soda glasses is more restricted; furthermore, they were not decolorized using manganese. The results suggest that glass bracelets were being obtained from a wide range of sources.

Matters of the heart: depictions of the heart and the archaeology of emotion, c. 1400–1700.

SUMMARY This paper presents a case study of finger rings and pendants from England and Wales from the period 1400–1700, which have been recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and that feature the shape of the heart or inscriptions of the word ‘heart’. The paper explores how these objects can inform us about the embodied experience, perception and expression of love and other emotions in the period in question, and how this reflects contemporary medical and popular ideas held about the heart. It also discusses more generally how objects actively communicated and invoked emotion.

Перстни-амулеты с изображением святого всадника VII в. из Крыма

Introduction. The group of jewelry with Christian symbols that existed in the Crimea in the early Middle Ages includes cast bronze rings, on a flat shield of which the image of a holy rider with a cross in his hands is engraved. The rings were found in the South-West Crimea in the burial grounds near the village of Luchistoe, Skalistoe and EskiKermen, as well as in Kerch at the early medieval necropolis of the Bosporus, in the burials of the 7th century. Methods. For the attribution of published products, a circle of analogies is identified, findings from the territory of the Eastern Roman Empire are analyzed. The iconography of the holy rider is compared on various subjects. In the Crimea, three of the published finger rings were found in in situ burials, as part of a closed complex, together with tools with a narrow dating, which makes it possible to clarify the time of existence of this type of products in the region and to determine the method of wearing it. Analysis. The plot depicted on the finger rings has an undeniable resemblance to the scene of the solemn entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, described in all four Gospels and well known from the numerous pictorial monuments of the early medieval period. The iconography of that scene originated in the era of Constantine the Great, under the influence of imperial art and in many ways corresponded to the Triumphal entry of the emperor to Rome or any large city of the empire. The image of Christ the rider on the Crimean finger rings belongs to the iconographic type, which became widespread in the 6th–7th centuries, mainly in Egypt, the Syro-Palestinian region and Asia Minor. The quality of execution of the published rings from the Crimea allows us to speak about their local production. Byzantine products that came to the peninsula thanks to stable trade relations with the empire or were brought by pilgrims from holy places served as models for the Crimean artisans. In the minds of ancient Christians, the image of Christ the rider had a powerful protective power. Placed on the shield of the ring, it endowed the decoration with the properties of an amulet, protecting the person wearing it from all troubles. The rings originating from Crimea belonged to a teenage girl and young women who wore them on their hands – on the right index or ring finger, or in special belt bags, in which, in addition to utilitarian items, various amulets were also put. Results. The study of rings makes it possible not only to expand knowledge about jewelry that existed in the early medieval times, but also to replenish our information about the daily life of the Christian population of the early medieval Crimea.

Prevalence of dermatoses among hairdressers and beauticians in Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, India

Background: Skin disorders among hairdressers and beauticians have been recognized as a common problem, owing to the prolonged exposure to a variety of irritants and allergens. Objectives: The aim was to study the prevalence of dermatoses among hairdressers and beauticians in Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, India. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 respondents from 57 salons and parlors located within the borders of the city. Detailed history taking and complete examination were performed during personal visits. Patch tests were performed with the Indian standard series on all participants. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 24.3 ± 6.3 years. 54% of the studied cases were found to suffer from one or more skin disorders. Hand eczema was the most commonly encountered dermatosis, observed in 32% of the cases. Three patterns of hand eczema were recognized: classic (14%), interdigital (6%), and threading (8%). Callosities were seen in 19% of the cases. We employed the term scissor nodule for the typical pattern of a callosity caused by the finger rings of scissors. Nail staining was encountered in 19%. The most common allergens leading to a positive patch test were found to be paraphenylenediamine (PPD) in thirteen cases, followed by a fragrance mix in nine, nickel sulfate in nine, thiuram in three, and formaldehyde in one. Conclusion: Skin disorders are common among hairdressers and beauticians. Raising awareness of these disorders and methods of their prevention among this group is imperative.

Evaluating consumer and clinical sleep technologies: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine update

Evaluating consumer and clinical sleep technologies: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine update

Inscribed finger rings from late antique and Byzantine Asia Minor

In this short paper we present thirteen metal rings from the museums of Izmir (nos. 3-4 and 9-10), Afyonkarahisar (no. 5), Bergama (nos. 6 and 8), Ödemiş (no. 7), Trabzon (no. 11), and Balıkesir (no. 13), dating mainly from the late antique and middle Byzantine periods. Two of these rings (nos. 2 and 12) belong to the private collection of Mr Koray Selçik and one (no. 1) belongs to the private collection of Ms Berna Oğuz, both of whom reside in Kemalpaşa near Izmir. Only no. 3 was previously published. Most of these rings bear Christian inscriptions, and belong to the late antique period; nos. 12 and 13 seem to date from the middle Byzantine age. Nos. 3, 6 and 7 contain an appeal to God for the salvation or cure. No. 9 is particularly interesting because it expresses one’s devotion to Longinos, a popular late antique and Byzantine saint. Other rings, nos. 2, 4 (with a monogram), 5, and 8 (with a monogram), bear personal names of their owners. No. 1 may be a gift to a girl, called ‘beautiful’.

Birmingham Intervention Tent Technique (BITT): A Technical Note

Objective We describe a novel and safe CT biopsy technique that we have termed the “Birmingham intervention tent technique (BITT).” This technique is ideal for biopsying osseous lesions where a direct approach is not possible due to difficult positioning. Methods The BITT uses a plastic surgical forceps clamp attached at an angle to the biopsy needle, creating a tent shape. The finger rings of the forceps is stabilized on the table. Results In our institution, we have already used the BITT successfully in over 10 cases. Conclusion The BITT is an inexpensive and reproducible technique.

Using the Tubing Clamp to Prevent the Dislodgement of a Double Lumen Endotracheal Tube: Comment.

In the recent article from Hargrave et al.,1 their figure 1 illustrates how a clamp is commonly applied to a double lumen endotracheal tube. The authors state: “Supporting the antiviral filter prevents dislodgement of the double lumen tube or bronchial blocker.”1 Although supporting the antiviral filter may help prevent dislodgement of the double lumen endotracheal tube, the weight of the tubing clamp as illustrated may be a factor in dislodging the double lumen endotracheal tube. Also, if the airway gradually narrows as one moves deeper into the bronchial system, the inflation of the bronchial cuff would tend to create a force that works to push the double lumen endotracheal tube out.An alternative technique is to apply the clamp so that the finger rings are directed downward and toward the patient. A drape clamp can be used to secure the finger ring portion of the clamp to either the bed sheet or the head support. This can create a dislodgement stop and/or a small vector force directed to pushing the double lumen endotracheal tube inward. It is doubtful this force will contribute significantly to the pressure exerted by the bronchial balloon on the airway mucosa, particularly if the bronchial balloon is reinflated after applying and securing the clamp. Anecdotally, since using this technique, I have not experienced a double lumen endotracheal tube dislodgement.The author declares no competing interests.

Предварительные результаты аварийно-спасательных раскопок погребальных памятников эпохи поздней бронзы на площади могильников Сагайская протока 7 и Аскиз 17 в Аскизском районе Республики Хакасия

The publication contains materials from the three Late Bronze mounds. They are located in close proximity to the railway and highway, which affected the shape of the mounds and stone structures. Four graves were discovered in the excavation area of mound 2 at the Sagayskaya protoka 7 burial ground. Grave 1 with ceramic vessels and bronze items provided the greatest amount of finds: temple rings, two finger rings, small buttons that adorned the funeral costume as well as an awl and a whetstone. Next to the grave pit, a dog was buried. No human remains were found in graves 2 and 3, but there were grave goods similar to those found in grave 1. Two burial mounds were excavated at Askiz 17. In the center of the kerb of kurgan 2, a disturbed grave 1 was found. Judging by the available remains, it was a burial of an adult with offered meat food and a vessel. Clothes and headwear were decorated with a bronze plaque and buttons. Outside the kerb, there was a stone box in which an infant was buried (grave 2). The grave kit included a vessel, an astragalus of a sheep, a bronze knife and an ornament in the form of a small clasp. The barrow of mound 3 covered two kerbs. Grave 1 was located in the center of kerb 1, it was looted. At the northern wall of kerb 2, the grave was not disturbed. The deceased was accompanied by a vessel and meat food. The grave good kit contained bronze ornaments: a large plaque, 6 rings, 4 signet rings, a bracelet, and buttons. Both burial grounds are tentatively dated to the 10th -9th centuries BC, which corresponds to the III (Lugavskoe) stage of the Bronze Age in the periodization of archaeological cultures in the Minusinsk Basin.

Ornaments of daily usage can be a source of microbial contamination and a causative agent of diseases

Hand hygiene is the most simple and effective way to prevent infection. Contaminated hand and related ornaments act as a vector of transmitting diseases. The main goal of this study was to find out whether personal accessories of different categories of working women are responsible for foodborne illness or contagious diseases. For this purpose, six categories of individuals were chosen, and five types of ornaments were taken from each individual. Total thirty swab samples were taken from the surface of bangles, nose pins, ear rings, finger rings and chains. Conventional culture techniques and biochemical tests were performed to determine the presence and identification of the pathogenic microorganisms. Total viable bacteria was present in all those samples but the presence of specific microorganisms were not found in all of those samples. Moderate growth of Staphylococcus spp. was found in finger rings and ear rings of the home makers and presence of Escherichia coli was detected in 16% of these samples as an indicator of fecal contamination. In the light of these results, it is essential to maintain proper hand hygiene and sanitation practice as some ornaments could be the significant source of pathogenic microorganisms. Food handlers and health care workers should abide by the rules and regulations of personal hygiene.
 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.10 (1) 2020: 5-8

Onachar from Apahida (> Onacharus < Aunacharus)

The first Germanic princely grave in Apahida (RO, Cluj County), dated to the second half of the 5th century based on the chronology of the objects placed near the skeleton, was discovered in 1889. Among the objects there were two gold finger rings, a namering and a crossring. On the namering a Latin cross and a male personal name were engraved. The crossring contains four engraved little Latin crosses. Taking into account the archaeological context, the possible Germanic name on the namering was first read OMHAR|VS, then OM^AHAR|VS (C. H. Opreanu, M. Schmauder), and later also OM^AHAR|VG (N. Gudea). The ending is certainly the Latin ‑VS and not ‑VG, nor the V G abreviation (C. H. Opreanu). The original name without the ‑us ending is a hapax and is uninterpretable. Among the Germanic names the OM beginning is unknown. But the M^A like ligature (nexus) is readable as N^A as well, which means that the reading of the name could be ON^AHAR too. The form ONAHAR contains a regular AU > O changing (W. Haubrichs as well), and the H represent the CH voice of the Germanic leanguages. The original form of this name sounds Aunachar, with the Latin ending Aunacharus, which appears in the Aunacharius and Aunarius forms as well. On the name ring the name was engraved phonetically, taking into account the pronunciation, that sounds Onachar, i.e. Onacharus [=On^a(c)har|us]. The existing name along with the similar names are known from the western Germanic area of the age. Considering the deposited objects and the name, Onachar could have been a western Germanic fugitive regulus, who was accepted by the local Gepid chief of that period, together with his escort.

Risco Biológico e/ou Químico eventualmente associado ao uso de adereços pelo Trabalhador (como anéis, alianças, relógios, pulseiras)

Introduction/ background/ objectives There are some manuals of Good Practices, in some professional sectors, that highlight the need to stop use jewelry at work (such as finger rings, watches, bracelets and/ or equivalent), relating to the potentialization of contact with biological agents and/ or chemical. The studies dedicated to this theme are very scarce and all related to health professionals; although, in many other sectors, it is a relevant topic, like in food production, tattooing, preparation of equipment that needs to be sterile and any sector that deals with chemical agents, for example. Methodology It is an Scoping Review, initiated through a research conducted in December 2019 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Effects Review Abstracts, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Record, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina, Scopus and RCAAP ”. Content The use of finger rings decreases efficacy of hand washing, since some bacteria can remain in microscopic irregularities under the ring. In addition, they can tear the protective gloves; even so, the use of this individual protective equipment attenuates the microbial load of the rings. However, some investigators argue that there is no statistical evidence that the use of rings will alter postoperative infraction rates. Those with smooth surfaces, like classic wedding rings, do not appear to be so problematic. As for watches and bracelets, it appears that they do not contribute to a significant increase in the rate of infringement; yet some researchers recommend that they be removed, before hand washing. The use of nail varnish decreases efficacy of hand washing, since some bacteria can remain in the microscopic irregularities of the varnish; however, there is no robust statistical evidence that the use of varnishes alters the rate of postoperative infection. Long nails have a higher microbial load, especially if recovered by irregular varnish (with a few days). In addition, big nails can also increase the likelihood of tearing the glove, whether natural or artificial. So it makes sense that some professionals use them short. Since scientific evidence that correlates hospital infection to the use of artificial jewelry or nails among healthcare professionals is not very robust, the norms at some institutions are in the format of recommendations only. Conclusions Studies are scarce and do not appear to be concordant or robust on several occasions, so it would be useful that Occupational Health teams, from companies with biological and/ or chemical risk, design and carry out studies and, subsequently, publish it to specialty magazines. In doubt, until clear evidence appears, objects such as finger rings, rings, watches and bracelets should be removed before work and hand washing and the size of long/ artificial nails or varnish must be carefully pondered.