The Story of Tanit

Renilde’s lifelong passion for ancient coins and numismatics, as well as her fascination with intaglio’s, is the heart and soul of the Tanit collection. Her relentless hunt for the perfect coin or intaglio and her profound knowledge of ancient civilisations are the cornerstones of this collection. These artefacts, the centrepieces of our elegant rings, necklaces, cuffs, and earrings, are carefully selected to represent women of power, symbols of strength and courage that define our brand. Only the finest coins, graded from very fine (VF) to extremely fine (XF), with a clear and detailed image, are chosen for their timeless beauty and historical significance.

Throughout history, female representations on coins have been rare. Early Roman coins occasionally depicted goddesses or noblewomen, but as the Roman Empire expanded, the custom of portraying emperors became widespread, diminishing the presence of women on coins. Despite this rarity, our quest has uncovered truly remarkable treasures, many dating back to the first millennium BC, making them some of the oldest works of art in the Western world.

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“When the first coin, a Tanit piece, arrived by mail, I was taken aback. Holding a 2,300 year old artefact in my hand was an indescribable experience. Despite its small size, the details were remarkably clear, like a miniature work of art from antiquity. Tanit’s face, her hair, her earrings, and her necklace, all are exquisitely visible and refined. I was moved to the core and understood that this was not my coin. Rather, I am a mere guardian, responsible for keeping this millennia-old artefact safe for future generations. Is there any better way to preserve and celebrate this treasure than setting it in a precious gold jewel? We worked closely with our artisans to create this inaugural piece of the Tanit Collection. When the pendant came back from the workshop, I knew we had honoured the artist and the minter who created this work of art so long ago.”

Renilde Vervoort

The ancient Greeks and Phoenicians established thriving settlements across the Mediterranean during the seventh and sixth centuries BC, laying the groundwork for a rich cultural exchange that would shape the region’s history. Their colonies stretched from western Asia Minor to southern Italy, Sicily, North Africa, and even the coasts of southern France and Spain. As these civilizations flourished, the need for simplified trade led to the innovation of hand-minted coins made of gold, silver, or bronze, featuring distinctive designs and inscriptions. These coins, especially those from large cities, achieved high levels of technical and aesthetic quality, becoming miniature works of art.

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Tanit coin story page

This exquisite silver coin, the first acquired for our collection, features the head of Tanit facing left. She is adorned with a wreath of grain leaves, a triple pendant earring, and a pearl necklace. The magnificent Greek style is reminiscent of the elegant Arethusa designed by Euainetos. This masterpiece was minted around 330 B.C., possibly in Sicily, Entella.

Among the coins of the ancient world, those from the wealthy Greek colonies of Sicily stand out, particularly the masterpieces minted in Syracuse, which were intended to showcase the city’s prosperity to the Greek world. Perhaps the finest ancient coins ever created bear the head of the nymph Arethusa in profile, crafted by artists like Euainetos and Kimon, who signed their dies, preserving their names for eternity. These coins, with their realistic depictions and high-quality metals, remind us of the enormous talents of ancient Greek artists and artisans, and the cultural achievements they represent. The refined style and elegance of Arethusa’s portrait have been imitated many times, making these coins not only symbols of wealth and artistic excellence but also influential benchmarks for subsequent coinage, even centuries later.

The Tanit Collection is named after the goddess Tanit, who appeared on the first coin we acquired. The story of Tanit, the patron goddess of Carthage, intertwines with that of Queen Elissa, also known as Queen Dido, the founder of Carthage. Dido fled her home in Tyre to escape her brother Pygmalion’s tyranny, leading her followers across the Mediterranean to modern-day Tunisia. Upon arrival, she negotiated with the local tribes for a piece of land. In a display of remarkable ingenuity, Dido was granted as much land as could be encompassed by an oxhide. She cleverly cut the oxhide into thin strips, which she used to encircle a large hill, thereby maximizing the area she could claim.

During the construction of the city, a skull of an ox was found. Dido, interpreting this as a symbol of servility, decided to relocate. In the new location, they found a horse’s skull, a symbol of nobility and freedom, much more fitting for her vision of Carthage. This symbolism is echoed in the Tanit coins, which feature a horse on the reverse, representing Dido’s foresight and strength.

Initially a Phoenician colony, Carthage evolved into the powerful Carthaginian Empire, with settlements across the western Mediterranean (see map). Dido’s legacy of courage and determination mirrors Tanit’s protective spirit. The refined style of the Arethusa coin, originating from nearby Syracuse in Sicily, has equally influenced our Tanit coins, reflecting the rich cultural interplay across the Mediterranean Sea. 

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The one-of-a-kind pieces of the Tanit Collection elegantly bridge the gap between contemporary minimalism and ancient artistry, creating a captivating fusion that appeals to modern luxury enthusiasts. A Tanit jewel is a contemporary masterpiece of wearable antique art, created for those with an unapologetic appetite for unparalleled aesthetic appeal.

Each piece tells a story of powerful women from ancient times, resonating with the women who choose to wear them today. There is a profound connection that transcends physical and historical boundaries, as these pieces convey a message of strength, resilience and empowerment. Whether or not you share our passion for antique artefacts, there is something utterly thrilling about wearing an extraordinary piece of bejewelled history dating back thousands of years.

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