Anonymous, circa 10th century. Amulet (Lead, 48 mm, 20.68 g), womb or "hystera" amulet. CTЄP...MЄΛA...ЄΛOИOMHNH ("Womb, black, blackening") Holy rider to left; below, uncertain object. Rev. Facing 'head' with seven serpents around; all within decorated border. Cf. J. Spier: Medieval Byzantine Amulets and their Tradition, in: Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes 56 (1993), 21. A very interesting example of the use of magic in Byzantine times. Flan cracks and a flan fault, otherwise, good very fine.


The obverse legend is a magical spell intended to keep the womb calm and in its proper place. Some words of the phrase 'Womb, black, blackening' are still discernable. The spell would end with a phrase similar to 'Like a snake you coil. Like a lion you roar. Like a lamb lie down'