diameter of ring, 22. On the hoop, incised inscription, υτησιγoελζιι.
The previous owner writes: “In the eighteenth century the ring was used in Ireland as a cattle charm... . Since 1770 or thereabouts it has been owned by a family who referred to it as `the charm.'”
Miscellaneous Types
[During the last stages of this work Mr. Henri Seyrig, to whose generosity and helpful suggestions I was already deeply indebted, has drawn several interesting amulets to my attention; some of them he examined many years ago, others he has seen only recently. It was desirable to make them known to users of this book; but since it was no longer convenient to insert accounts of them at the most appropriate places, I have grouped them together here. Illustrations were not available in every instance. The descriptions have been rearranged to conform to my plan, and I have added some comments and references to similar designs and inscriptions; otherwise this appendix is one of Mr. Seyrig's substantial contributions to the book.]
389
Casimir Eynard, Beirut
Obv. Zeus Salaminios standing to front, paters in extended r. hand, l. rests on short scepter; an eagle perches on the l. wrist. This is the type of the god as seen on Cypriote coins (B. M. Cat. Cyprus, Pl. 26, 2; Cook, Zeus, III, 649). The maker has added a detail which does not appear on the coins, namely, a scarab on which the god stands. The design is one of the few examples in which a representation of Zeus is applied to magical use.
Rev. The vowels arranged in a pterygoma, the seven at the top diminished progressively to a single omega at the bottom. This pterygoma is engraved not only on the flat surface of the reverse but on the beveled edge as well.
Haematite. Upright oval, ca. 16 X 14. From an impression; the stone is cut to be viewed so.
390
Formerly in the collection of M. de Lorey, Damascus
Obv. Crocodile with falcon's head crowned with disk, lying to l., tail hanging down, on an altar in the shape of an Egyptian pylon. Cf. Lanzone, 1039, and Pl. 351, V; Gardiner, Sign-list, I 4 (crocodile on shrine as determinative of Sobek); also Lanzone, 581, Pl. 217, 2, where a compound creature with falcon's head crowned with the atef, lion's body, and crocodile tail lies on a little shrine. Above, eight-pointed star between two crescents.
Rev. Michael.
Haematite. Oval. Measurements not reported. No illustration.
391
Obv. Helios standing to r., seven rays round head (crudely engraved), r. hand raised, l. holding globe. He is dressed in long tunic and chlamys, an end of which hangs from his r. shoulder. The god stands on a lotus flower growing from a disk or globe resting in the hollow of a crescent-shaped object, which, despite its small size, represents a papyrus boat. Above, three scarabs; at each side of Helios, three crowlike birds (certainly not hawks); at each side of the lotus, three goats. Under the boat are two scorpions, and at the bottom, a crocodile. Cf. Nos.
203–210 and
102–105.
Rev. Five lines of writing, of which the third is πέπτε; the rest are made up of characters, one in the form of a key.
Haematite. Upright oval, 51 X 35 Χ 5. Photographed from the original.