A large roman magical red jasper intaglio. Allegorical scene referring to the Danubian mystery cults.

A large roman magical red jasper intaglio. Allegorical scene referring to the Danubian mystery cults.

2nd-3rd century A.D.

23 x 27 x 3 mm

In some gems and lead plates we find the representation of a goddess standing between the two Dioscuri on horseback. Evenly identifying this character is not simple or certain. According to Chapouthier's interpretation it can be assimilated with the goddess Hekate-Elena; according to Delatte and Derchain it is Nemesis-Hekate; according to Barb, a representation of the mystery cult of Balkan origin. These lead plates derive mainly from the Danubian area. In this jasper intaglio, it is not entirely clear the identification of the central character with tunic and cloak, in the act of spreading his arms; certainly next to it there are two riders with a radiated crown (dioscuri). Above, two stars and above an eagle holding a laurel branch and two snakes in its beak. Below, in the center, a container (crater) and on the sides of the characters armed with spears. In the reverse side of the gem, a crater surmounted by a star, above a vessel and another star; on both sides, two large snakes twisted with two sticks and two arches. Above, crescent moon. Slight wear marks. Very rare.

Parallels: Chapouthier 1935, n. 69, p. 77; fig. 56, p. 287 ss. DELATTE, DERCHAIN, Les Intailles magiques, p. 193 ss, n. 259-260; D. Tudor, Corpus monumentorum religionis Equitum Danuvinorum, II, 1967, n. 228. A. Mastrocinque, Sylloge gemmarum gnosticarum, pp. 354-355.

European private collection.