AN OVAL HAEMATITE AMULET

Details
AN OVAL HAEMATITE AMULET
ASIA MINOR, 6TH CENTURY

Engraved with a classical warrior killing a dragon, with an inscription identifying the rider as St. George.
The inscription probably added later.
1in. (2.6cm.) high

AND A PILGRIM TOKEN
Asia Minor, 5th to 7th century

Inscribed in Greek.

3/4in. (2cm.) diam. (2)
Exhibited
R. Temple ed., Early Christian and Byzantine Art, The Temple Gallery, London, 1990, nos. 106 and 89

Lot Essay

The amulet may originally have been set in a ring. The motif of a warrior overcoming a dragon was commonly used to represent the triumph of good over evil. Small pilgrim tokens (or Eulogia) were among the most popular of all religious souvenirs. They were made from the earth of a Holy site, which was compacted and then stamped with a seal to ensure authenticity.

More from Sculpture

View All
View All