magical gem; intaglio

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Object Type: magical gem; intaglio
Museum number: 1986,0501.113
Description: Magical gem; intaglio; haematite-fragment; oval; engraved on side A; bevelled edge on side B. Side A: Two concentric circles, from the outer one divided into twelve sections containing the signs of the zodiac, only seven sections remain (in turn: Capricorn, Pisces, Aquarius, Aries, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Libra). The inner circle contains a representation of Helios, to front, chlamys thrown over the right shoulder. In the left hand, held close to the body, a globe; right hand raised in greeting. Five rays around the head. Side B: Remains of an inscription in four lines.
Cultures/periods
Production date: 3rdC
Production place: Made in: Mediterranean (eastern Mediterranean)
Materials
Technique
Dimensions: Height: 40 millimetres; Thickness: 3 millimetres; Width: 17 millimetres
$Inscriptions
Bibliographic references: Michel 2001 / Die Magischen Gemmen im Britischen Museum (246); Bonner 1950 / Studies in magical amulets, chiefly Graeco-Egyptian; CBd / The Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database Online (644) (http://classics.mfab.hu/talismans/cbd/644)
Location: Not on display
Condition: Some of engraving on side A obscure due to large chip on left hand side.
Subjects: myth/legend; zodiac
Associated names: Representation of: Aries; Representation of: Pisces; Representation of: Capricorn; Representation of: Sagittarius; Representation of: Helios/Sol; Representation of: Libra; Representation of: Scorpio; Representation of: Aquarius
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1986
Department: Britain, Europe and Prehistory
Registration number: 1986,0501.113

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