Heliotrope gem: Helios (A) Cock, Ἀβρασάξ (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1210

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Berlin-Ant_32.237,366

Collection:

Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung

Collection Inventory:

32.237,366

Reference Numbers:

Weiss, Dressel, no. 669

Former Collections:

Dressel, Heinrich (1845–1920)

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

10.5 × 9.4 × 2.7 mm

Iconography:

Helios; rays (6); mantle; whip; greeting gesture; altar; torch, burning; cock; wreath; thunderbolt?; branches

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ

Both faces upright oval, side A slightly convex, side B flat (Shape 6). Green and red jasper (heliotrope), chipped at the lower edge.

Side A: Helios stands naked to left, six rays crowning his head, mantle over the right arm. Flail in his right hand, left hand raised in greeting. To the right, a round altar with a burning torch.
Side B: A cock standing to the left on a thunderbolt or branch, holding a wreath in its beak. Greek inscription around: αβρασαξ → Ἀβρασάξ.

Selected bibliography
• Weiss 2007 >>, 319, no. 669.