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Engraved Gem (Reverse)

Unknown

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Octagonal gem with flat surfaces on both sides. On the obverse, a crab, seen from above, with pincers extended and eyestalks protruding forward. On reverse, inscribed in Greek: ΒΑΡΧΑ, part of a magical word [ΒΑΡΧΑI] often incised on the reverse of crab motif gems. On facets, with one letter per side and with one side blank: Α/Ε/Η/Ι/[Ο?]/Λ/Μ.

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  • Title: Engraved Gem (Reverse)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 2nd–4th century A.D.
  • Location Created: Afghanistan; Mediterranean
  • Physical Dimensions: 0.9 × 1 × 0.4 cm (5/16 × 3/8 × 1/8 in.)
  • Type: Gem
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Yellow jasper
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 85.AN.444.3
  • Culture: Roman
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, Gift of Jonathan H. Kagan
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Jewelry
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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