A rare roman two layers agate intaglio mounted in a bronze setting. Hermanubis.
intaglio 18 x 22 mm; bronze mounting 25 x 35 mm
The figure is standing, facing left, and is formed by the figure of Hermes partially draped (bare torso and covered groin), with sandals; holding the winged caduceus with the right hand, while the left arm is raised with the palm of the hand open. Above the head of Hermes: the jackal head. Ground line. Rare iconography that differs from the known model (human body and animal head, while in this case it is a human body with a human head joined at the top by an animal head). Attractive type of stone. Oval setting of generous dimensions, convex, set in a rectangular bronze frame (probably a central belt). Magic gem with protective amulet function. Slight wear marks. . Ermanubi (or Hermanubi; in Greek: Ἑρμανοῦβις, Hermanùbis) is a Greek-Egyptian god born from the fusion of Hermes and Anubis. He was considered the son of Seth and Nefti. The great similarity between Anubis and Hermes (both psychopomp deities, or guides of the souls in the afterlife) leads to the syncretistic formation of the god Ermanubi (in the egyptian and hellenistic religious imagery of the Ptolemaic period). It was popular during the Roman domination of Egypt, the age of its first depictions, and in Rome itself until the 2nd century AD In his rare representations, he is depicted with a man's body and a jackal's head holding the sacred caduceus and a frond of Palm tree. (Statue of the god Ermanubi, in white marble , 1st-2nd century AD, Egyptian Gregorian Museum- Vatican Museums) . For comparisons: A. Mastrocinque, Sylloge gemmarum gnosticarum, pp. 190-194.
2nd-3rd century AD