Magical gem: Lion-headed figure holding tabula ansata (A) στόμαχε πέπτε (B)
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CBd-Number:
CBd-578
ID-Number:
GB-BM-MMEu_G 497, ΕA 56497
Collection:
GB_London, The British Museum
Inventory:
G 497 (ΕA 56497)
References:
Bonner 1951, no. 44; Michel, BM, no. 180; Michel, DMG, no. 41.6.e_4
Former Collections:
Chester, Greville John (1830–1892)
Material:
haematite (black)
Dimensions:
44 x 19 x 3 mm
Dating:
4th c. AD (Michel)
Iconography:
figure, lion-headed; tabula ansata; weapon: armour; rays (7); moons, crescent (2); plant: palm branches (2); shoes, unspecified; stars (7)
Divine Names & Voces:
Ἰάω
A: Composite figure with an animal (perhaps lion) head, surrounded by seven rays. The figure is wearing armour and boots. Arms are raised high above the head, and hold a tabula ansata. Three pairs of wings project from the trunk, both feet turned outwards. Besides the legs, on both sides of the figure: vertical palm branches. In the free field: seven x-shaped stars, and two v-shaped notches, perhaps to indicate crescents. Inscription in the tabula ansata: ια → Ἰά<ω>.
B: Inscribed in five lines: στ|ομα|χεπ|επ|τε → στόμαχε πέπτε. 'Stomach, digest!'.
Bibliography
Bonner 1951 on CBd-578
Michel, BM on CBd-578
Gordon 2011, 44, pl. 8.
The British Museum Collection database on CBd-578
Last modified: 2019-10-31 21:59:10
Link:cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/578
CITE THIS PAGE
CBd-578. 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/578 on 24-04-2025.
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