2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

細節

TWO GRAECO-EGYPTIAN HAEMATITE MAGICAL INTAGLIOS
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
One with flat surface engraved with a stylized uterus with the fallopian tubes attached above, key with seven teeth at the bottom with long handle down the side, the reverse with a circular inscription surrounding the device for Chnoubis written once, 1.5 x 0.9 cm., 1.9 cm. across inner hoop; and the other with a stylized uterus, the snake Ouroboros encircling it, the reverse with two lines of Greek inscription reading OPWPIOY* OPWOIOY*, 2 x 1.3 cm., 1.6 cm. across inner hoop, both in later ring settings (2)

來源

Item two: Rollin and Feuardent collection, Paris.
Collection of James Carnegie, Earl of Southesk (1827-1905); acquired F. Whelen, London agent for Rollin and Feuardent, 1878.

注意事項

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

拍品專文

PUBLISHED:
Item two: Lady Helena Carnegie (ed.), Catalogue of the collection of antique gems formed by James, Ninth Earl of Southesk, K.T., London, 1908, I, p. 161, no. N34.

For similar birth amulets with the uterus, cf. S. Michel, Magische Gemmen, München, 2001, pp. 73-77, nos 75-80.

Haematite was the preferred stone for amulets concerning female health and gynaecology. Along with jasper and cornelian it was said to have blood congealing qualities.

These amulets were worn to help against pregnancy complications, as well as to ward off nocturnal demons who were thought to cause premature births. The key attached to the bottom of the uterus was to open and close it at the correct time - to open at the birth and to remain shut throughout the pregnancy. The seven teeth of the key represent the Seven Hathors, whose role was to determine the destiny of the child at birth. The goddess Hathor herself was particularly connected to healing and childbirth and she was the 'Lady of the Sky' whose womb protected the god Horus.