EGYPT. Uncertain. Gnostic Amulet (Lead, 16x24 mm, 2.80 g, 12 h), circa 3rd century. IAΩ PH - ABPACAΞ Anubis standing front, head to left, holding sistrum in his right hand and caduceus in his left. Rev. MI/XAHΛ / ΓABP/IHΛ in four lines. Mitchiner, Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, p. 273. Leu 4 (2019), 535. Cf. Rostovtsev/Prou 818 (for a similar type of amuletic pendant). An interesting example of magical syncretism on an ancient amulet. Very fine.


In the usual syncretic fashion, this magical amulet combines several influences: the image of Anubis is evidently derived from the Egyptian pantheon, while IAΩ and the angelic names are Judaeo-Christian in origin. The name of Abrasax is mentioned in ancient Gnostic texts (see above, lots 2115-2116 for a longer note on Abrasax).