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Author Topic: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera  (Read 1214 times)

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Offline v-drome

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Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« on: April 24, 2014, 05:48:43 pm »
Hi, here is a very small lead tessera with a scorpion on one side and a hare (or dog?) leaping over a snake on the reverse. The size is consistent with the diminutive pieces often found at Caesarea.  A second tessera, from the same region, is shown below and has a hare and snake in similar position.  Caesarea was also home to a temple of Mithras, who is associated with the scorpion, dog, and snake, so I don't want to rule out that possible link.  Any ideas on the mythology or meaning of the images would be welcome.  Thanks, V-drome.

BCC Lt31
Lead Tessera
Late Roman 1st-4th cent.?
Obv: Scorpion to left.
Rev: Animal , hare (or dog?),
leaping over snake.
11x9mm. 0.80gm. Axis:0

Offline v-drome

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Re: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2022, 11:53:37 pm »
I thought I would bump this topic in case anyone has new ideas about the meaning of these types.  Thanks, jimi

Offline Gert

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Re: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2022, 04:59:42 am »
Really nice pieces, and ones that are rarely seen. I am not sure we can say anything with certainty about the precise meaning of any of these types. Consider also the possibility that there isn't any deeper meaning, and that these were chosen purely for decorative or aesthetic reasons.
Regards
Gert

Offline v-drome

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Re: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2022, 06:36:26 am »
Thank you again, Gert.  Most of these very small leads are so poorly preserved.  These were two of the exceptions.

Best regards, Jimi

Offline Gert

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Re: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2022, 06:52:25 am »
The hare does remind me of this "Ephesian" tessera type: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=8103081

Regards
Gert

Offline Heliodromus

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Re: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2022, 07:36:40 am »
Quote
Mithras, who is associated with the scorpion, dog, and snake

Yes -  part of the standard tauroctony scene., such as this example from the Mithraeum rear the Circus Maximus. The scorpion is always going after the poor bull's privates!

It does seem a very specific combination of animals.

Offline v-drome

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Re: Scorpion, Hare, and Snake Tessera
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2022, 01:18:52 pm »
Very nice!  Thank you both.  What a spectacular relief carving.

 

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