Agate gem: Hand of Sabazios

PP-ID:

PP-5026

Classification:

gem, votive

Collection ID:

DE_Kassel-HKH_Ge 197

Collection:

Kassel, Antikensammlung, Hessen Kassel Heritage

Collection Inventory:

Ge 197

Reference Numbers:

Capello 1702, no. 99; AGD III, no. Kassel 197

Former Collections:

Capello, Antonio (Venice, 1652–1729)

Material:

agate, red to brown

Dimensions:

14.5 × 1.1 × 3.3 mm

Iconography:

hand; snake; eagle; moon, crescent; pine cone

Dark brown agate gem. Upright oval. Side A is slightly convex, side B is flat. (Shape 6). Matt and polished. Intact.

Side A: A left hand is depicted with the thumb, index, and middle fingers extended. On the thumb, an eagle, above the index and middle fingers, a crescent. On the right side, a pine cone. Beneath it, from right to left: ΑΡ, ΤΕ (both in ligature). A snake coils around the wrist.
Depictions of similar hands are known from the sanctuaries of the Thracian-Phrygian god Sabazios.
Side B: Undecorated.

Selected bibliography
• Capello 1702 >>, no. 99.
• Zazoff, AGD III >>, 248, no. 197.