Plasma gem: Double-headed snake, Greek inscription (A) scarab (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1209

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Berlin-Ant_32.237,371

Collection:

Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung

Collection Inventory:

32.237,371

Reference Numbers:

Weiss, Dressel, no. 668

Former Collections:

Dressel, Heinrich (1845–1920)

Material:

plasma (green)

Dimensions:

9.1 × 12.4 × 3.4 mm

Iconography:

Ouroboros, double-headed; scarab; rays (7)

Divine Names & Voces:

Χνουμίς?

Side A transverse oval, side B upright oval, lenticular, side A more strongly convex. (Shape 1). Green, translucent plasma with black spots, intact.

Side A: Ouroboros-like snake with double heads (one replacing the tail), the heads facing one another at top. The snake encloses a Greek inscription in two lines: χνου|μιν → variant of Χνουμίς.
Side B: Scarab from above, crawling to top. Seven rays (?) around the head.

Selected bibliography
• Weiss 2007 >>, 319, no. 668.