Rutilated quartz gem: Ἰάω (A) Helios in quadriga (B)

PP-ID:

PP-2334

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

US-Malibu-Getty_82.AN.162.76

Collection:

Malibu, The J. Paul Getty Museum

Collection Inventory:

82.AN.162.76

Reference Numbers:

Michel, DMG, no. 22.4.a_6; CBd, no. 2334

Former Collections:

Ungar, Stanley (Valley Stream, New York)

Material:

quartz, rutilated

Dimensions:

13 × 11 mm

Iconography:

Helios; rays (4); greeting gesture; whip?; quadriga; anchor

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἰάω

Rutilated quartz (chrysothrix). Side A transverse, side B upright oval, both flat, edge rounded. (8c–9c) Intact.

Side A: Inscribed in one line: ιαω → Ἰάω.
Side B: Helios standing in frontal quadriga, with four rays around the head. His left hand is raised in greeting, there is a whip (?) in his right hand. Two of the horses turn left, two right, the heads of the pole horses facing each other. Horizontal anchor below the quadriga.