Haematite gem: Solomon spearing Lilith (A) σφραγὶς θεοῦ (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1634

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Hamburg-Skoluda_M056

Collection:

Hamburg, Skoluda Collection

Collection Inventory:

M056

Reference Numbers:

Michel 2001, no. 107; Michel, DMG, no. 44.1.a_3; Franek, SoMa, no. 56; CBd, no. 1634

Material:

haematite (black)

Dimensions:

47 x 30 x 9.5 mm

Date:

4th c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

Ouroboros; Solomon; tunic; mantle; spear; horse; star; Lilith; lying posture; defensive gesture

Divine Names & Voces:

Σολομών

Haematite gem, both faces upright oval and flat, trapezoid section. (Shape 8–9). Vertical crack along the centre of the reverse.

Side A: Solomon on horseback, to right, wearing tunic and mantle, and pointing a spear at the figure of Lilith, lying nude on the ground, trampled by his horse, and raising her right hand in defense. Six-pointed star in the field in front of Solomon's head. Inscription running around the edge, starting above the horse's tail: σολομων → Σολομών. The scene is enclosed by an Ouroboros, with head at top to the right.
Side B: Three lines of Greek inscription: σφρα|γισ|θεου → σφραγὶς θεοῦ. 'Seal of God', followed by characteres.

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

Selected bibliography
• Michel 2001 >>, 96, no. 107; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 44.1.a_3.
• Franek 2025 >>, 321, no. 56.

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Last modified:

2025.09.02 20:01:35

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/1634

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