Heliotrope gem: Cock-headed Anguipes (A) Ἀβρασάξ, Σαβαώ (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1126

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

US-NY-MET-GRA_81.6.301

Collection:

New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Department of Greek and Roman Art

Collection Inventory:

81.6.301

Reference Numbers:

Bonner, SMA D. 167; Michel, DMG, no. 3.A.1.f_10; CBd, no. 1126

Former Collections:

King, Rev. Charles William (1818–1888); Johnston, John Taylor (1820–1893)

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

18 × 13 × 2 mm

Date:

3rd c. AD (MET)

Iconography:

Anguipes, cock-headed; mantle; armour; shield; whip

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω; Σαβαώθ, variants

Green and red jasper (heliotrope). Side A upright oval, side B transverse oval, both flat. (Shape 8–9). Top right segment broken off and missing.

Side A: Cock-headed Anguipes to front, head turned to right, in armour and mantle thrown over the right shoulder. There is whip in the raised right hand of the figure, the left hand is hidden behind a round shield. Letters placed in the free field around the figure's body: ιαω → Ἰάω.
Side B: Two line of Greek inscription: αβρασαξσαβαω → Ἀβρασάξ, Σαβαώ.

Selected bibliography
• Bonner, SMA >>, 280, D. 167; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, 3.A.1.f_10.

Further resources on PP-1126
• The MET Collections