Chalcedony gem: Lizard with crescent (A) κανθὲ σ' οὔλε (B)

PP-ID:

PP-2331

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

US-Malibu-Getty_81.AN.11.1

Collection:

Malibu, The J. Paul Getty Museum

Collection Inventory:

81.AN.11.1

Reference Numbers:

Michel, DMG, no. 14.1.a_8; CBd, no. 2331

Former Collections:

Causey, Willard B. (Santa Ana, California)

Material:

chalcedony, green to blue

Dimensions:

height: 12 mm

Iconography:

moon, crescent; lizard

Mottled green chalcedony gem; side A upright oval, side B transverse oval, both flat. (Shape 8–9). Intact, save for minor abrasions.

Side A: Lizard viewed from above, crawling to top. Above, crescent moon pointing to bottom. Letters around: πηρα. Perhaps → πηρά. 'Blind'?
Side B: Two lines of Greek inscription: κανθε|σουλε → κανθὲ σ' οὔλε. 'Eye, be healthy!' (The interpretation of 'σ' is uncertain. However, the inscription including 'σ' seems to appear more frequently on magical gems of the type.)