Green jasper gem in modern gold setting: Isis (?) Anguipes, voces (A) the three Graces (B) Ἀβλαναθαναλβα (C)

PP-ID:

PP-4296

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-München-Münzsammlung_2902

Collection:

München, Staatliche Münzsammlung

Collection Inventory:

2902

Reference Numbers:

Michel, DMG, no. 3.A.3.h_7; CBd, no. 4296

Material:

jasper, green to black

Dimensions:

17 × 13 × 4 mm

Iconography:

Isis?; unspecified long dress; snake?; scepter, unspecified; Anguipes, cock-headed; armour; shield; whip; Graces (3)

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβρασάξ; Ἰάω; voces, unidentified; Ἀβλαναθαναλβα, variants

Dark green jasper gem; upright oval, both sides flat. (Shape 8–9). Mounted in a modern gold setting.

Side A: In the upper register: goddess (Isis?) wearing a long garment, holding probably a snake in her right hand and a sceptre in the left. In the lower register: frontal figure of a cock-headed Anguipes clad in armour. He holds a round shield in the right hand and a whip in the left hand (mirroring the usual arrangement). Around both figures, Greek inscription along the perimeter: ιαωαβρασαξλαω νν ελι → Ἰάω, Ἀβρασάξ, unidentified voces.
Side B: In the centre: the three Graces. Around: illegible Greek inscription.
Side C: Greek inscription running around the edge: αβλαβαναλο → a variant of the Ἀβλαναθαναλβα-palindrome.

Selected bibliography
• Brandt, AGD I >>, no. 2902.