Drachm of the Koinon of Epeiros c. 234

Editor: This is a Drachm of the Koinon of Epeiros from the Harvard Art Museums. Seeing the head and then the eagle, I'm curious about what they might have meant to people then. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Consider how these symbols become deeply embedded in collective memory. The eagle, often linked to Zeus, can evoke power and authority. The male head, adorned with laurel wreath, might signify leadership, or perhaps a local deity. What narratives did these images reinforce or challenge? Editor: So, the images weren't just decoration, but also conveyed cultural ideas. Curator: Precisely! Visual symbols are never neutral. They shape how we perceive the world, carrying layers of historical and cultural significance. Editor: That’s a great point, I’ll have to consider that.