Talismans - Magical gem: Zeus and Hephaistos (A) Pseudo-Hebrew inscription (B)

Magical gem: Zeus and Hephaistos (A) Pseudo-Hebrew inscription (B)

Download PDF

CBd-Number:

CBd-660

ID-Number:

GB-BM-MMEu_G 264, EA 56264

Collection:

GB_London, The British Museum

Inventory:

G 264 (EA 56264)

References:

Bonner 1951, no. 17; Michel, BM, no. 262; Michel, DMG, no. 57.2.a_1

Former Collections:

Towneley Collection

Material:

chalcedony, white to brown/grey

Dimensions:

15 x 9 x 3 mm

Dating:

2nd–3rd c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

Zeus; throne; thunderbolt; birds (2); animal: lions (2); clothing: mantle; clothing: kilt; hammer; bust

A: In the upper section: a group of two deities (Zeus and Hephaistos, or the Kabeiroi?). Frontal view of a bearded man with long, curly hair, standing in front of a throne, head to left, wearing a long garment covering his body from the hips, upper body nude (Zeus). Right hand raised high and holding a thunderbolt, left arm lowered beside the body, hand not visible. Behind him: a second figure, wearing only a kilt, holding a hammer over his shoulder. On both sides: roaring lions facing outwards. In the lower section: two birds (eagles?) mirroring each other, facing outwards, with heads turned back, at the bottom: human bust with outstretched arms or wings (?) above notches indicating water (siren or personification of the river Oronthes?).
B: Pseudo-Hebrew inscription or characteres (?) in one line.

Bibliography
Bonner 1951 on CBd-660
Michel, BM on CBd-660
The British Museum Collection database on CBd-660

Last modified: 2021-03-08 20:10:11

Link:cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/660

CITE THIS PAGE

CBd-660. 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/660 on 19-04-2025.