3-037-094 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Engraved Gem with Abrasax and a magical inscription, A.D. 100-250. Additional Info: Oval gem engraved on each of its sides. On the obverse is the image of a frontal view of a cock-headed snake-legged figure (Abrasax) in armour, a whip in his raised right hand and shield in his left. A magical inscription, in Greek, runs all around the edge: IAW ADWNAI ABRASAX EVIE. The first word, IAW, refers to the Jewish god Yahweh, the second and third words are names related to magical gods. A second inscription, in five lines, is carved on the reverse: A/BLA/NATHA/NAL/BA.