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View: Side B

Scaraboid gem with seated woman

Greek, East Greek
Achaemenid Period (late Archaic or Classical)
550–331 B.C.

Medium/Technique Chalcedony
Dimensions Length: 25 mm (1 in.)
Credit Line Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1900
Accession Number03.1013
ClassificationsSeals

DescriptionIntaglio. Pierced for stringing (horizontal). Carved on both sides. Side A: woman seated on a bench facing left, wearing a long dress and headdress plays a small, triangular harp (trigonon) with four strings. In front of her is a small dog. Side B: woman seated on a bench in a similar costume, has a bird perched on her left hand. In front of her is a dwarf dressed in Persian clothing.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to his records: bought in London); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, March 24,1903