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Bulla
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Quick Facts
Plural:
Bullae
Related Topics:
pendant
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Bulla

jewelry
Also known as: bullae
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Last updated
•History

Bulla, characteristic Etruscan ornamental pendant. Typically round or oval, bullae resemble a lion or satyr head.

Bullae are hollow, often with filigree or granulation decorating the edges, and they have a removable loop (from which the pendant is hung). It is thought that the loop acted as a stopper for the bulla, which may have contained a liquid, presumably perfume. The word bulla now refers to a round lead seal attached to an official document from the pope.