6th-4th century BC. A dark green glass(?) scarab with intaglio design of two beast-headed men raising their arms to a crescent above, cicada between; mounted on a tapering gold rod hinge with median loop and ends coiled round the shank. 6.83 grams, 24mm (1"). From the private collection of a Mayfair, London, UK, gentleman; acquired in the early 1980s. Classical Phoenician scarabs were made in Phoenicia in the period of the Achaemenid Empire, from the later sixth century to the mid-fourth century BC. Beside the Etruscan, they are the last major production of scarab seals of antiquity. They are made of green jasper, the colour probably being of as much importance as their intaglios since it enhances their amuletic value. Most of the 1500 examples known have been found in the west Phoenician (Punic) cemeteries of Carthage in North Africa, as well as the islands of Sardinia and Ibiza, but there are many also from the east Mediterranean. It was long held that all were western products but it is more likely that they were made in the Phoenician homeland. They served as jewellery, as offerings in tombs and sanctuaries, and for their primary function of sealing. Many, such as this example, were given precious metal mounts. The subjects of the intaglios are the most eclectic of any medium of the period. They include Egyptianising (the common stock of Phoenicia for many years), Levantine (more Syrian in style and subject) and Hellenising (mainly following late archaic Greek subjects and styles, whence many have been called Greco-Phoenician). The Egyptianising form of art can be seen on this scarab with the winged sun disc of the Egyptian god Ra-Horakhty being held aloft by two lion-headed men which may be related to the guardian deities known from Achaemenid art.

Very fine condition.