Magnetite gem: Polymorphic deity (A) voces and characteres (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1215

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Berlin-Ant_32.237,368

Collection:

Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung

Collection Inventory:

32.237,368

Reference Numbers:

Weiss, Dressel, no. 674

Former Collections:

Dressel, Heinrich (1845–1920)

Material:

magnetite (black)

Dimensions:

14.9 × 12.3 × 3.4 mm

Iconography:

polymorphic deity; scepters (2); daggers (2); Ouroboros

Side A upright oval, side B transverse oval, both sides flat (Shape 8–9). Grayish-black magnetite, abraded at the right edge of A with minor chips on the surface of both sides.

Side A: Polymorphic deity, with the head of a jackal and the body of a scarab, standing to front on top of an Ouroboros cartouche. The head of the figure is turned to the left, and two pairs of wings project from his shoulders. The upper arms support tall sceptres, there are daggers in the lower arms. A jackal's tail projects from the hips on the left; the legs are human, the feet are turned to the left.
Side B: Two lines of characteres and letters.

Selected bibliography
• Weiss 2007 >>, 322, no. 674.