Disk

30 BCE–364 CE

Not on view

The dot-in-circle motif recalls designs presumed to be of magical significance, most likely an abstract eye to ward off the evil-eye, which serve an apotropaic function. Easily reproduced with a tool and visible in many cultures and times, this symbol may have lost its meaning, and become simply a decorative pattern, or may have one that we have not yet discovered.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Disk
Date: 30 BCE–364 CE
Geography: Found/excavated Egypt, Oxyrhynchus
Medium: Bone; incised and inlaid with paint
Lead: stamped
Dimensions: D. 3/16 in. (0.5 cm)
Diam. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Wt. 0.176 oz. (4.99 g)
Classification: Ivories and Bone
Credit Line: Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1905
Object Number: 05.4.156
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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30 BCE–364 CE

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