3rd century AD. A flat-section gold hoop divided at each shoulder into opposed scrolls with applied granules, discoid bezel with agate insert, intaglio cockerel with foliage. 3.64 grams, 17mm overall, 12.98 x 17.39mm internal diameter (approximate size British C 1/2, USA 1 1/2, Europe 0.53, Japan 0) (3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1970. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L. Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 206 for type. The cockerel is associated with the secretive and mystic religion of Gnosticism and relates to a deity known as Abraxas, whose name means Great Archon. He is mentioned in a number of Greek magical papyri as well as a Gnostic text known as the Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit. The image of Abraxas is found engraved on gemstones and he is either depicted as a man wearing armour and having the head of a cockerel and serpent legs, or simply as a cockerel. Gnosticism, from the Greek meaning having knowledge, was a collection of ancient religions whose adherents shunned the material world- which they viewed as created by an evil demiurge- and embraced the spiritual world. Gnostic ideas influenced many ancient religions that teach that gnosis (variously interpreted as knowledge, enlightenment, salvation, emancipation or 'oneness with God') may be reached by practising philanthropy to the point of personal poverty, sexual abstinence and diligently searching for wisdom by helping others.

Very fine condition.