Ring with a gem with magical device of a composite figure with an unidentifiable object and a caduceus
Gems that inscriptions and non-standard iconography associate with certain magical practices known from texts and manuals, especially in the Roman Imperial Period, are termed 'magical gems.'
While this gem has no inscription, the unusual figure depicted has a feathered body and bird legs but a strange head. This suggests it might have a relationship to the material described as magical gems.
While this gem has no inscription, the unusual figure depicted has a feathered body and bird legs but a strange head. This suggests it might have a relationship to the material described as magical gems.
Artwork Details
- Title:Ring with a gem with magical device of a composite figure with an unidentifiable object and a caduceus
- Period:Roman Period
- Date:A.D. 2nd century
- Geography:From Egypt
- Medium:Gold, jasper
- Dimensions:1.9 x 2.5 cm (3/4 x 1 in.)
- Credit Line:Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
- Object Number:10.130.1425
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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41–68 CE
2nd century A.D.
A.D. 1st century
A.D. 1st century
A.D. 1st–2nd century
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