Finger ring with intaglio ringstone

This Roman finger ring with ringstone could be used as a personal seal on documents, and was also a magic amulet to ward off the evil eye. The image shows a large human face wearing a cap, with bird legs, feet and tail. Emerging from the tail is a horse’s head on a serpent’s neck. Standing on the tail is a small animal holding reigns.

Object Summary

Accession Loan No.
5/1946/392
Category
Antiquities
Collection Class
Foreign archaeology
Collector Excavator
Montague, LAD, Lieutenant Colonel
Material
jaspergilded copper alloy (brass or bronze)
Common Name
finger ring with intaglio ringstone
Simple Name
ringstone
Period Classification
Roman Imperial - 31 BC-476 AD
Production Year Low
100
Production Year High
300

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intaglio ringstone depicting a composite figure