Magnetite gem: Lion-headed figure (A) names of archangels, Ἰάω (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1617

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Hamburg-Skoluda_M038

Collection:

Hamburg, Skoluda Collection

Collection Inventory:

M038

Reference Numbers:

Michel 2001, no. 52; Michel, DMG, no. 37.B.1.e_5; CBd, no. 1617

Material:

magnetite (black)

Dimensions:

39 × 25 × 7 mm

Date:

2nd–3rd c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

lion-headed figure; rays (7); clothing, unspecified; whip; snake; star

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἰάω; Μιχαήλ; Γαβριήλ and variants; Ῥαφαήλ and variants; Ὠριήλ

Magnetite gem, both faces upright oval and flat. (Shape 8–9). Chips along the edges.

Side A: Lion-headed figure in three-quarter view to left, head encircled with seven rays. There is a whip in his bent right hand, and a snake in his left. On the left, in front of the head, an eight-pointed star. Letters and characteres in the free field.
Side B: Six lines of Greek inscription: γαβρ|ιηλωρ|ιηλραφ|αηλμι|χαηλ|ιαω → Γαβριήλ, Ὠριήλ, Ραφαήλ, Μιχαήλ, Ἰάω.

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

Selected bibliography
• Michel 2001 >>, 56, no. 52.; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 37.B.1.e_5.

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Last modified:

2025.08.30 15:09:39

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/1617

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