Advanced Search 
View: Obverse
Magical gem with rooster-headed, snake-legged deity, symbol and inscription
Roman
Imperial Period
mid 2nd to 3rd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Jasper
Dimensions
Length x width: 18 x 15 mm (11/16 x 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Estate of Dana Estes, by exchange
Accession Number2000.991
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionGreen jasper. Intaglio. The rooster-headed, snake-legged deity is clad in a Roman chestplate (cuirass). He holds an Egyptian flail in his right hand and a small round shield in his left. The shield bears the name "IAW" (Jahweh, the Jewish god) as a protective emblem. This mysterious anguipede (snake-legged) figure is common on magical gems. The reverse is inscribed with the name of Jahweh, followed by "Lord of Hosts" and a magical name (Abraxas). The amulet invokes charisma for a man named Ptolemy. His name is inscribed over an earlier name that was removed from the gem so that Ptolemy could use it.
Inscribed on obverse: IAW (Jahweh) / E-EI / AIW-EHI / T-T
Inscribed on reverse: IAW CABAW ABR/ACAS (Jahweh Sabaoth Abraxas) HXARICAM (charisma) / PTOLEMAIW P/ROC PANTE/C (for Ptolemy, before all)
Inscribed on obverse: IAW (Jahweh) / E-EI / AIW-EHI / T-T
Inscribed on reverse: IAW CABAW ABR/ACAS (Jahweh Sabaoth Abraxas) HXARICAM (charisma) / PTOLEMAIW P/ROC PANTE/C (for Ptolemy, before all)
ProvenanceOctober 28-29, 2000, sale, Frank Sternberg AG, Zurich, lot 1282, to Classical Numismatic Group, Lancaster, PA; 2000, sold by Classical Numismatic Group to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 13, 2000)