Rock crystal gem: Lion-headed figure (A) voces (B)

PP-ID:

PP-155

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

UK-BM-BEP_EA56464 (G 464)

Collection:

London, British Museum

Collection Inventory:

EA56464 (G 464)

Reference Numbers:

Michel, BM, no. 267; Michel, DMG, no. 37.B.1.b_6; CBd, no. 155

Former Collections:

Chester, Greville John (1830–1892)

Material:

rock crystal

Dimensions:

34 × 21 × 7 mm

Date:

4th–6th c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

lion-headed figure; tunic; mantle; shoes: boots; nimbus; globus; rays (7); rays, double; greeting gesture

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω; Ἰάω, variants

Rock crystal gem. Upright oval, both faces convex. (Shape 4). Chipped, small portion missing at the lower edge.

Side A: Lion-headed figure standing to the front, head turned to the right. The figure wears boots, a tunic, and a mantle chlamys thrown over the right shoulder. The right hand is raised in greeting, there is a globe in the slightly outstretched left hand. Around the head, nimbus with seven double rays. Characteres in the free field around the figure.
Side B: Four lines of Greek inscription: αβρα|σαξ|ιαω|αιω → Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω and variant of Ἰάω.

Selected bibliography
• Michel, BM >>, 164–165, no. 267; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 37.B.1.b_6.
• Spier 2025 >>, 113, no. 9.