Heliotrope gem: Cock-headed Anguipes

PP-ID:

PP-1134

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

US-NY-MET-GRA-81.6.300

Collection:

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

Collection Inventory:

81.6.300

Reference Numbers:

Michel, DMG, no. 3.A.1.e_1; CBd, no. 1134

Former Collections:

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

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

14 × 11 × 3 mm

Date:

3rd c. AD (MET)

Iconography:

Anguipes, cock-headed; armour; shield; whip

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω; vocales

Green and red jasper (heliotrope). Upright oval, both faces flat, edge bevelled towards the reverse. (Shape 8). Chipped at the upper edge.

Side A: Cock-headed Anguipes to front, head turned to right, wearing armour. There is a whip in the figure's raised right hand, the left hand is hidden behind a round shield. Greek inscription running around the edge, starting at top left, beside the head: ιαωαβ|ρασα[ξ] → Ἰάω, Ἀβρασάξ, below the right elbow, letters of uncertain reading: αω? → vocales?
Side B: Undecorated.

Selected bibliography
• Michel, DMG >>, 3.A.1.e_1.

Further resources on PP-1134
• The MET Collections

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Last modified:

2025.08.18 20:45:32

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/1134

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