The CBd
Magical gem: Akephalos (A) Greek inscription (B)
CBd-Number:
CBd-81
ID-Number:
HU-SzM-Ant_2009.53.A
Collection:
HU_Budapest, Museum of Fine Arts, Classical Collection
Inventory:
2009.53.A
Former Collections:
CH_Geneva, CA Collection
Material:
lapis lazuli (blue)
Dimensions:
26.3 x 21.4 x 3.1 mm
Iconography:
Ouroboros; solar disk; Osiris; clothing: kilt; clothing: bandage; figure, headless; uraei (9); hieroglyph, sa; scepter, was; snakes (3); animal: quadrupeds, unspecified (3); birds (2); gesture, lying
A: Headless figure standing on an Ouroboros-cartouche, head of the Ouroboros at bottom, to right. The figure wears a kilt, and holds an was-scepter in his right hand, bent in elbow, left hand lowered beside the body and holding a sa-sign. Nine rearing uraei project from the shoulders. The Ouroboros at the bottom encloses, from left to right: three quadrupeds, two birds(?) or quadrupeds on hindlegs(?) and three snakes. Below them, a recumbent Osiris-mummy, bandaged, head to left, crowned with the solar disk.
B: Illegible inscription in three lines.
C: Illegible inscription around.
The gem is pierced through at the top for suspension. 

Prompt gamma activation analysis performed by Zsolt Kasztovszky (Nuclear Analysis and Radiography Department, Centre for Energy Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences) and Judit Zöldföldi (University of Stuttgart, Institute of Materials Testing) have shown that the raw material of the gem originates from Afghanistan (for the detailed research report, see the attached pdf).

Bibliography
Unpublished.

Last modified: 2015-01-08 17:35:11
Link:cbd.mfab.hu/cbd/81
CITE THIS PAGE
CBd-81. 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/81 on 04-12-2023.

Image-ID 3305

Credits by David Cottier-Angeli

Rights © Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

Files CBd-81_PGAA_research report.pdf

Image-ID 3306

Credits by David Cottier-Angeli

Rights © Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

Files CBd-81_PGAA_research report.pdf

Image-ID 3307

Credits by David Cottier-Angeli

Rights © Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

Files CBd-81_PGAA_research report.pdf

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