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Engraved Gem with Abrasax and a magical inscription (Main View, front)

Unknown

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Oval gem engraved on each of its sides. On the obverse is the image of a frontal view of a cock-headed snake-legged figure (Abrasax) in armour, a whip in his raised right hand and shield in his left. A magical inscription, in Greek, runs all around the edge: IAW ADWNAI ABRASAX EVIE. The first word, IAW, refers to the Jewish god Yahweh, the second and third words are names related to magical gods. A second inscription, in five lines, is carved on the reverse: A/BLA/NATHA/NAL/BA.

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  • Title: Engraved Gem with Abrasax and a magical inscription (Main View, front)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: A.D. 100–250
  • Physical Dimensions: 2 × 1.6 × 0.2 cm (13/16 × 5/8 × 1/16 in.)
  • Type: Gem
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Green chalcedony
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 83.AN.437.47
  • Culture: Roman
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, Gift of Damon Mezzacappa and Jonathan H. Kagan
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Jewelry
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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