Jasper gem in medieval seal matrix: Angel holding a cross
Seal matrix
Pointed-oval, double-faced silver pendant with an intaglio in the centre, surrounded by an inscription. A suspension loop is fixed to the top of the reverse. On the back, a die depicts an ornate cross fleury, surrounded by an additional inscription. Complete and well preserved.
Seal legend:
Front: +AVE:MARIA:GRACIA:PLENA → Ave Maria gra{c}<t>ia plena. 'Hail Mary, full of grace'
Reverse: +CRVX:PELLIT:CRI → Crux pellit Chri(sti). ‘The cross of Christ wards off '.
Gem
Upright oval green jasper intaglio. Winged angel standing in profile, facing left, holding a cross-headed sceptre in front; s/he wears a drapery around the hips.
The gem is slightly damaged: there are two significant chips from the edge, one on the bottom and one on the right sides.
Selected bibliography
• Cherry–Henig 2018 >>, 108.
Further resources on PP-5903
• Portable Antiquities Scheme Database
• The British Museum Collection online
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