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LOT 0680
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.84 grams, 24 mm).
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfered rim to obverse with womb with key and roots; above womb the figures of Isis, Anubis, Chnoubis, and Nephthys (from left to right); reverse with facing Medusa mask with wings to the brow below a coiled snake, spiders and other items.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12354-225280.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. similar item in Gordon, R., 'Archaeologies of Magical Gems' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.39-49, pl.5; see also BM inv.no.EA56076, for similar gemstone.
FootnotesDuring the Graeco-Roman period, the traditional genres of Egyptian or Near Eastern temple magic gems, particularly protective magic against demons, snakes and scorpions, seemed largely to have disappeared, and new genres became dominant, for different types of divination (direct visions of god, bowl divination, dream sending, Homer oracles), malign magic, aggressive (mainly erotic) magic, magic for personal success and attractiveness. This type of amulet was intended to aid childbirth and avoid illness and dangers for its attendant.
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