Intaglio Gem Depicting Chnoubis

CultureRoman

PeriodImperial

Date2nd-3rd Century CE

MediumMicrocrystalline quartz, var. agate

Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin

DimensionsOverall: 3/8 × 1/2 × 1/4 in. (1 × 1.3 × 0.6 cm)

Object number2008.031.107

Label TextAccording to the Greek physician Galen, wearing an image of the radiated lion-headed serpent god Chnoubis engraved on a light green stone cured stomach ache, heart burn and other abdominal ailments (De simpl. 10, 19; see also Socrates and Dionysius no. 35). A Greek inscription across the center of the gem invokes the god by name (‘XNOUMIC’), and the back of the stone is inscribed with the so-called Chnoubis-sign, a triple-barred ‘S’ that relates to the Egyptian deity Kenmet, one of twelve decans linked to the zodiac. Above Chnoubis’ head, another inscription lists the seven Greek vowels, ‘AEHIOU’. In magical lore, each letter was associated with one of the seven planets, here enhancing the efficacy of the amulet by harnessing their combined celestial power.
Exhibition HistoryMonsters, Demons & Winged Beasts: Composite Creatures in the Ancient World, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 5 - June 19, 2011
Making an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022

ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, Maryland, February 14, 1994.

InscribedXNOUMIC; AEHIOU

Status

Not on view

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