Leu Numismatik AG
Web Auction 23 22 Aug 2022
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Uncertain, 2nd-3rd centuries AD. Gnostic Amulet (?) (Orichalcum, 25 mm, 9.30 g). XABPAXΦ / NHNXAT / ΦIΧΡΟΦ / NYPWΦI / WLWBW / XIHWAI in six lines on stela; all incuse. Rev. Mummy (of Osiris?) lying right, surrounded by serpent with head to left; above, raven with closed wings standing right on mummy; above the head of the serpent, globe; all incuse. A fascinating piece with an intriguing reverse. Light pitting, otherwise, extremely fine.
As indicated by the nonsensical obverse legend and the complex iconography, this interesting amulet likely had a magical purpose and/or played some role in Gnostic belief. As is usually the case with such items, however, the iconography was highly symbolic, and thus difficult to interpret. Firstly, the obverse legend appears to be inscribed on a stela shaped like a funerary monument. The theme of death is carried over to the reverse, which shows a mummy lying right. This might be the mummy of the Osiris (see Leu 7 (2020), 1516, for a depiction of Osiris on another Gnostic amulet), but it lacks any of his specific attributes, such as the atef crown. The serpent surrounding him is shaped like a heka crook, which was strongly associated with Osiris, though this may just be mere coincidence. Regardless of its identity, the mummy obviously served as a symbol of spiritual rebirth and eternal life. The serpent itself had a dual nature in both the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian worlds, appearing at times as a bringer of good fortune or as a harbinger of destruction.
Curiously, the scene also includes a raven, associated with Apollo in Greek mythology, though as a carrion bird, it may symbolize an evil force threatening the mummy, which is protected by the serpent (who appears to lift his head at the raven). Finally, the globe likely represents the Sun, again representing cyclical renewal. Taking everything together, the amulet appears to symbolize the rebirth of the soul, which could only be attained by seeking the true wisdom offered by Gnosticism.
As indicated by the nonsensical obverse legend and the complex iconography, this interesting amulet likely had a magical purpose and/or played some role in Gnostic belief. As is usually the case with such items, however, the iconography was highly symbolic, and thus difficult to interpret. Firstly, the obverse legend appears to be inscribed on a stela shaped like a funerary monument. The theme of death is carried over to the reverse, which shows a mummy lying right. This might be the mummy of the Osiris (see Leu 7 (2020), 1516, for a depiction of Osiris on another Gnostic amulet), but it lacks any of his specific attributes, such as the atef crown. The serpent surrounding him is shaped like a heka crook, which was strongly associated with Osiris, though this may just be mere coincidence. Regardless of its identity, the mummy obviously served as a symbol of spiritual rebirth and eternal life. The serpent itself had a dual nature in both the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian worlds, appearing at times as a bringer of good fortune or as a harbinger of destruction.
Curiously, the scene also includes a raven, associated with Apollo in Greek mythology, though as a carrion bird, it may symbolize an evil force threatening the mummy, which is protected by the serpent (who appears to lift his head at the raven). Finally, the globe likely represents the Sun, again representing cyclical renewal. Taking everything together, the amulet appears to symbolize the rebirth of the soul, which could only be attained by seeking the true wisdom offered by Gnosticism.