Image: Egyptian - Gnostic Gem with Scarab - Walters 42872

Description: This gem displays an "uroborus," (a serpent which swallows its own tail to create a closed circle) encircling a scarab beetle and a long inscription, which is made up of magical words. The reverse displays a Pataikos standing on crocodiles, flanked by the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. Above the god is a head of Hathor with a winged sun-disk. Gems with magical icons and words were believed to be protective.
Title: Gnostic Gem with Scarab
Credit: Walters Art Museum: Home page  Info about artwork
Author: Anonymous (Egypt)
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Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No