Heliotrope gem: Lion-headed snake encircling Ἀβρασάξ, Ἰάω

PP-ID:

PP-1641

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Hamburg-Skoluda_M058a

Collection:

Hamburg, Skoluda Collection

Collection Inventory:

M058a

Reference Numbers:

Michel 2001, no. 140; Michel, DMG, no. 46.2_1; CBd, no. 1641

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

12.8 × 9.3 × 3.1 mm

Date:

2nd–3rd c. AD (Michel)

Iconography:

Ouroboros, lion-headed; rays (3)

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω

Green jasper with red flecks (heliotrope); transverse oval and flat, with trapezoid section. (Shape 8). Polished, intact.

Side A: Lion-headed snake with three rays on the head, surrounding two lines of Greek inscription: αβρασαξ|ιαω → Ἀβρασάξ, Ἰάω.
Side B: Undecorated.

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

Selected bibliography
• Michel 2001 >>, no. 140; click here for a full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 46.2_1.

✓

Last modified:

2025.09.07 17:39:20

Permalink:

https://phoinixplatform.org/object/1641

Cite this page

Zoom

Image-ID 14712

Credits Photo: Árpád M. Nagy, 2025

Rights © Hamburg, Skoluda Collection

Notes Side A and B of PP-1641

Zoom

Image-ID 14711

Credits Photo: Árpád M. Nagy, 2025

Notes Side A of PP-1641

Zoom

Image-ID 14713

Credits Photo: Árpád M. Nagy, 2025

Notes Side B of PP-1641

3 image(s) total