Haematite gem: Phoenix on column with animals (A) πέπτε, Chnoubis-sign (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1240

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Hamburg-Skoluda_M095

Collection:

Hamburg, Skoluda Collection

Collection Inventory:

M095

Reference Numbers:

Michel 2001, no. 89; Michel, DMG, no. 43.1_7; CBd, no. 1240

Material:

haematite (black)

Dimensions:

32.9 × 18.9 × 4.1 mm

Date:

3rd–4th c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

phoenix; nimbus; rays (7); globus; column; scarab, with outstreched wings; swallows (2); scorpions (2); snakes (2); crocodile; Chnoubis-sign

Haematite gem, upright oval, both faces flat.(Shape 8c–9c). Intact.

Side A: A phoenix, with nimbus and seven rays around the head, stands to left on a globe, which is placed on a column, framed by diagonal notches evoking the shape of the akhet-sign (horizon). Around, animals: above the phoenix, scarab with outstretched wings, below, from top to bottom: pairs of swallows, scorpions and snakes, below the column, crocodile to right. Next to the phoenix, on the left and right, inverted S-signs imitating the Chnoubis-sign.
Side B: Two lines of Greek inscription: πεπ|τε → πέπτε. 'Digest!'. In the thrid line: Chnoubis-sign.

Description based on close observation of the piece by Á. M. Nagy, 2025

Selected bibliography
• Michel 2001 >>, 83–84, no. 89; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 43.1_7.
• Nagy 2011 >>, 79, plate 11.

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Last modified:

2026.01.14 19:58:56

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/1240

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