A magic skin worn by Zeus and, in art, especially by Athena, serving as a shield or wrap. It is often shown with snakes around the edges, with scales like a snake, and with the petrifying head of Gorgo at the centre.
Above left: Detail from a red-figure clay cup, about 470-460 BC. Musei Vaticani 16545. © Musei Vaticani Licence Plate 11 UK 1007 106
Above right: Detail from a red-figure clay vase, about 490-480 BC. Musei Vaticani 17907. © Musei Vaticani Licence Plate 11 UK 1007 107