Heliotrope gem: Cock-headed Anguipes (A) Ἀβρασάξ (B)

PP-ID:

PP-2357

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

US-Malibu-Getty_84.AN.1.70

Collection:

Malibu, The J. Paul Getty Museum

Collection Inventory:

84.AN.1.70

Reference Numbers:

Michel, DMG, no. 3.A.2.b_1; CBd, no. 2357

Former Collections:

Mezzacappa, Damon (1936–2015, New York)

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

13 × 10 mm

Iconography:

Anguipes, cock-headed; armour; shield with Ἰάω; whip

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω

Green jasper with red and yellow spots (heliotrope). Side A upright oval, side B transverse oval, both flat. (Shape 8–9). Chips along the edge.

Side A: Frontal view of a cock-headed Anguipes in armour, head to right. Right hand raised and holding a whip, left hand hid behind a round shield inscribed in two lines: ια|ω → Ἰάω.
Side B: Two lines of Greek inscription: αβρα|σαξ → Ἀβρασάξ.