2015-06-09
archaicwonder:
Byzantine Amuletic Armband With Pagan, Jewish & Christian Inscriptions, 6th Century AD
This is a bronze armband with images of saints, magic symbols and a holy rider. Originally made up of seven inscribed medallions, it demonstrates the intermixing of Christian, Jewish, and pagan imagery on an object intended for magical and medicinal purposes. Judging by the inscriptions, most amuletic armbands (made in Byzantine Syria and Egypt) were intended to treat abdominal disorders.