Ancient Roman Jasper Gnostic Magical Gem of Hermanubis

Code: 11275

This is a  rare ancient Roman magical gem, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The gemstone is cut in 'intaglio' depicting Hermanubis in a tunic with the head of a jackal, like the Egyptian god Anubis. He holds a caduceus and wears winged shoes like the Greek god Hermes. In his other hand, he holds a situla (bucket). He is surrounded by letters with a star above.

Hermanubis was a god who combined Hermes with Anubis. He is the son of Set and Nephthys. Hermes and Anubis’s similar responsibilities (they were both conductors of souls) led to the god Hermanubis. He was popular during the period of Roman rule over Egypt. Depicted as having a human body and jackal head, with the sacred caduceus that belonged to the Greek god Hermes, he represented the Egyptian priesthood, engaged in the investigation of truth.

A similar magical gem in yellow jasper is recorded in the Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database, CBd-1030. 

OBJECT: Magical Gem

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Jasper

SIZE: 21.92mm x 17.32mm x 5.71mm

WEIGHT: 2.92 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a European Private Collection, Eindhoven. The Netherlands