Between Earth and Sky

Between Earth and Sky

Symbolic Relationship between Coin and Medal: The bull on the coin evokes strength, fertility, and tribal protection, while the crescent references Iberian lunar cults. The San Damiano Cross represents spiritual renewal and inner guidance. Together, these elements unite earthly energy and sacredness, transforming the primal power of the bull into a symbol of protection and meditative reflection.

The Medal

San Damiano Crucifix

San Damiano Crucifix

The creation pairs a half bronze unit from Castulo (80–40 BC, Hispania, Oretani people), featuring a walking bull with a crescent, with a medal depicting the San Damiano Crucifix, produced by Maggi of Milan. Originally made in black-plated metal, the cross was reworked by the artist with gold leaf and a glossy protective varnish, leaving the central Christ figure in black.

The Coin

Half Bronze Unit with Bull, c. 80–40 BC
Iberian HISPANIA, Castulo/Kastila

Half Bronze Unit with Bull, c. 80–40 BC

The half bronze unit from Castulo, an Iberian city in the province of Jaén (modern-day Cazlona/Linares), depicts a walking bull on the reverse and was issued by the Oretani, a people settled in the northern Guadalquivir valley. Castulo was an important Oretani center and an ally of the Carthaginians during the Punic Wars. Local coinage often retained Iberian inscriptions, reflecting cultural independence prior to full Romanization. Reverse: Walking bull facing right, with a crescent on its rump. The bull symbolizes strength, fertility, and the Taurine deity typical of Iberian art (as a protective figure or tribal emblem), while the crescent evokes lunar or celestial local cults. This issue concludes the Iberian series of Castulo, which began in the 2nd century BC with motifs such as sphinxes or wild boars, marking 200 years of autonomous coinage.

The Materials

San Damiano crucifix in black-plated metal with gold leaf
Half bronze unit with bull, c. 80–40 BC – Iberian HISPANIA, Castulo/Kastila
Flat faceted labradorite beads
Flat smooth brown striped agate bead

Collaboration