Roman Silver Knuckle Bone Gaming Piece

A lead figural scene composed of a male and female figure standing facing on a rectangular base; the male figure detached and with head absent; set in a display frame. 91 grams total, 70 x 70 mm including case



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

A gemstone with one side incised with the head of Zeus Serapis wearing a modius crown, seen in profile to the left, surrounded by Greek letters I,Λ,φ, ν, Λ,Λ,Ϲ,Ϲ,Ε,Δ; the other side with enigmatic inscription 'BIKIω PIΗΔνMΗ IΔ φI ΛA'. 0.86 grams, 12 mm



Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.

Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east. Usually a third of these gems carry magical words which shows that they were used as amulets or for some other ritual purpose. These magical gems were inscribed with acclamations or prayers that suggest they were used as amulets for protection (in this case of Serapis) or to acquire charm, but only some of them can be linked with some divinatory or prophylactic purpose.

A surviving section from a small limestone architectural pedestal column base with remains of cylindrical column to top, decorated with a collar of conjoined lozenges. 936 grams, 13.5 cm high



Acquired before 2000. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.