likeavirgil:Oval gem with rooster-headed, snake-legged deity in armor, holding a whipRoman, Imperial
likeavirgil:Oval gem with rooster-headed, snake-legged deity in armor, holding a whipRoman, Imperial Period, mid 2nd–3rd century“The rooster-headed, snake-legged deity is clad in a Roman chestplate (cuirass). He holds an Egyptian flail in his right hand and a small round shield in his left. The shield bears the name ‘IAW’ (Jahweh, the Jewish god) as a protective emblem. This mysterious anguipede (snake-legged) figure is common on magical gems. The reverse is inscribed with the name of Jahweh, followed by ‘Lord of Hosts’ and a magical name (Abraxas). The amulet invokes charisma for a man named Ptolemy. His name is inscribed over an earlier name that was removed from the gem so that Ptolemy could use it.”Source: http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/oval-gem-with-rooster-headed-snake-legged-deity-in-armor-holding-a-whip-314229 -- source link