Talismans - Magical gem: Phoenix on column surrounded by animals (A) πέπτε (B)

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Magical gem: Phoenix on column surrounded by animals (A) πέπτε (B)

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CBd-Number:

CBd-2

ID-Number:

HU-SzM-Ant_55.154

Collection:

HU_Budapest, Museum of Fine Arts, Classical Collection

Inventory:

55.154

Material:

haematite (black)

Dimensions:

31.2 x 14.7 x 4 mm

Dating:

T.p.q.: 121/122 AD (Nagy)

Iconography:

column; Chnoubis-sign; bird: swallows (2); snakes (2); scorpions (2); scarab, with outstreched wings; rays (6); phoenix; nimbus; globus; animal: crocodile; gesture, protective

Description: Upright oblong, both faces flat. Shape 8c–9c. Haematite.

A: Phoenix (Horus) with nimbus and six rays around the head, standing to left on a globe (Osiris) placed upon a column. Below, a crocodile, to right; above, a scarab with outstretched wings (representation of the Egyptian sun god in different forms). On the two sides, pairs of animals: swallows facing inwards, scorpions crawling to top, and snakes with 'hands' raised in protection, standing for Isis and Nephthys. Beside the phoenix, a pair of S-shaped characteres (Bonner: worms?).
B: Inscription in three lines: πε|πτ|ε → πέπτε. 'Digest!'. Beneath: Chnoubis-sign.
The magos – the gem – commands the client's stomach in the name of the deity invoked by the images to do what it has to: digest!

Selected bibliography
Nagy 2001
Nagy 2002
Mentioned in Nagy 2004.
Mentioned in Nagy 2011, 79, Pl. 11.
Nagy 2012, comm. ad Bonner IV 60-61

Last modified: 2019-10-31 21:05:13

Link:cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/2

CITE THIS PAGE

CBd-2. The Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database (2010-), developed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, editor-in-chief: Á. M. Nagy. Retrieved from: cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/2 on 27-07-2024.