KM190 (Early-Middle Roman Blue Glass-Paste Gem as Amulet) [permalink]
Type
Inventoried Object
Material description
Semiopaque, medium to dark blue or “sapphire” (PMS 7686/7687). Numerous small, spherical bubbles.
Technique
Kiln cast. Intaglio.
Writing transcription
Ἰάω, δὸϲ τὴν δύναμιν καὶ τὴν χάριν τῶ(ι) φόρουντι
Logical part of
Greek-American Excavations at Koutsongila Inventoried Objects
Typological identification
Engraved text (artifact)
Typological identification
Finger Ring
Typological identification
Glass Ringstone
Typological identification
Magical Practice
Typological identification
Magical text (artifact)
Conservation
2008 (June 28): mechanically cleaned with distilled water (Nikol Anastasatou).
Description
Engraved and inscribed gem. Oval with beveled reverse for setting probably in ring. Obverse shows Aphrodite Anadyomene. Reverse shows mummified Osiris over a lion. Bevel has continuous text that wraps above first letters at end of phrase: ΙΑⲰΔΟϹΤΗΝΔΥΝΑΜΙΝΚΑΙΤΗΝΧΑΡΙΝΤⲰΦΟΡΟΥΝΤΙ. Imagery and words identify gem as magical amulet.
Preservation description
Intact. Moderate abrasion, slight pitting, and slight chipping; slight dulling.
Published as
Faraone2022
Published as
Papageorgiouetal2022, pp. 980-981, 1042, no. 677, fig. 20.36
Length
0.021
Thickness
0.004
Width
0.015
Explanation of deposition
Lost from ring on ancient ground.
Material
Glass (Material)
Has visual motif (depicts)
Aphrodite/Venus (Visual Motif)
In Excavated Unit
Locus TRA0804-002
Location in unit
Upper colluvium over east trench.
Drawing
Drawing
Drawing
Drawing
Photograph
Photograph
Photograph
Photograph