The noun ouroboros is derived from the Greek words ouro (tail) and boros (eating): it describes a snake devouring it's own tail. It's an ancient symbol suggesting rebirth, eternal life and infinity. The oldest known ouroboros appeared on the golden shrine of King Tutankhamen. This coppery bronze trivet features an ouroboros in the handle. Other details include scales on the surface of the snake, decorative chasing along the outer rim and crosshatching to the caps of the acorns. No cast mark is visible, not uncommon in softer metals like bronze or brass. The longs legs on the trivet (1.5 inches) suggest a casting prior to 1900. This is a heavy, very interesting and stunning bronze piece.