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scaraboid
Object Type
scaraboid
Museum number
1889,1110.1
Description
Chlorite scaraboid engraved with an eagle and two birds. The back is in the form of an African's head.
Cultures/periods
Cypro-Archaic
Production date
750 BC-475 BC
Production place
Made in:
Cyprus
Findspot
Found/Acquired:
Cyprus
Materials
chlorite
Technique
engraved
Dimensions
Length:
1.20 centimetres
Width:
1.30 centimetres
Curator's comments
See Reyes 2001, 36-9 for other examples of head-seals with Black African features. Karageorghis 1988 surveys depictions of Africans in ancient Cypriot art. Bibliography: Karageorghis V. 1988, Blacks in ancient Cypriot art (Houston)
Bibliographic references
Gem / Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum
(311)
Reyes 2001 / The stamp-seals of ancient Cyprus
(cat. no. 9, p. 38 and fig. 34)
Location
Not on display
Subjects
bird
Acquisition name
Purchased from:
J Caridi
Acquisition date
1889
Acquisition notes
Sold to the Museum by a Mr G or J Pavlides of Cyprus through Caridi.
Department
Greek and Roman
Registration number
1889,1110.1