Talismans - Magical gem: Solar animals (A) χαβραχ-logos (B)

Magical gem: Solar animals (A) χαβραχ-logos (B)

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CBd-Number:

CBd-497

ID-Number:

GB-BM-MMEu_G 109, EA 56109

Collection:

GB_London, The British Museum

Inventory:

G 109 (EA 56109)

References:

Michel, BM, no. 97; Michel, DMG, no. 19.6_2

Former Collections:

Towneley Collection

Material:

carnelian (colour unspecified)

Dimensions:

17.5 x 13.5 x 3.5 mm

Dating:

2nd–3rd c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

Harpocrates sitting on lotus flower; flail; plant: lotus buds (2); side-lock of youth; solar disk; snake, winged; phoenix; gesture, hand raised to mouth; bird: falcon; animal: crocodile; crown, unspecified

Logoi:

χαβραχ-logos

A: Surface divided into four sections by hatched double lines, in the middle an oval field repeating the shape of the gem. In the oval field: a bird, to left (phoenix). Top right: Harpocrates on lotus flower, to left, right hand to mouth, left hand holding flail, on the head: sun-disc, side-lock of youth visible. Top left: winged snake, to right, flying upwards, on the head: sun-disc (?). Bottom left: crowned falcon, to right. Bottom left: very damaged, belly and feet of a crocodile still visible.
B: Inscribed in seven lines: χαβ|ραχφν|εσχηρφ|[.]ροφνυ|[.]ωφωχ||ωβω|χ → χαβραχφβεσκηρφικροφνυρωφωχωβωχ">χαβραχ-logos.
The gem is closely connected to a praxis mentioned in a magical papyrus, see PGM II 104sq.

Bibliography
Michel, BM on CBd-497
Gordon 2011, 44, pl. 10.
The British Museum Collection database on CBd-497

Last modified: 2020-12-28 22:57:42

Link:cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/497

CITE THIS PAGE

CBd-497. 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/497 on 09-03-2025.